By the Numbers: Here Are the Rates for Private Generators in August

The Ministry of Energy and Water announced in a statement issued by its media office that the fair rate for private generator tariffs for the month of August is as follows:

48.241 L.L. per kilowatt-hour.

- For subscribers with meters in cities or densely populated areas or at an altitude below 700 meters: - 5 ampere capacity: 385.000 L.L. + monthly disconnect fee x 48.241 L.L. per kilowatt-hour.

- 10 ampere capacity: 685.000 L.L. + monthly disconnect fee x 48.241 L.L. per kilowatt-hour.

53.065 L.L. per kilowatt-hour.

- For subscribers with meters in villages or remote areas or at an altitude above 700 meters: - 5 ampere capacity: 385.000 L.L. (fixed) + monthly disconnect fee x 53.065 L.L. per kilowatt-hour.

- 10 ampere capacity: 685.000 L.L. (fixed) + monthly disconnect fee x 53.065 L.L. per kilowatt-hour.

Additional 300.000 L.L. is added to the fixed portion of the meter tariff for every additional 5 amperes.

This tariff is based on the average price of a 20-liter diesel canister in August amounting to 2.415.495 L.L., after accounting for all generator expenses, interest, operational costs, and a reasonable profit margin for owners. The calculation also considers, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the cost of transporting the canister from the fuel station to the generator.

It takes into account key components such as oil and filter costs, generator depreciation, and the average monthly exchange rate of the dollar in the parallel market, which reached 89.700 L.L.

This tariff was issued based on the approved calculation schedule by the Ministry of Energy since October 14, 2010; in implementation of Council of Ministers Decision No. 2 dated December 14, 2011, regarding necessary measures to regulate private generator tariffs; and pursuant to the joint implementation mechanism between ministries (Energy, Interior, and Economy) announced on December 20, 2011, which designated the Ministry of Energy and Water responsible for disseminating private generator tariffs based on diesel prices at the end of each month.

Therefore, the Ministry of Energy and Water calls on generator owners to comply with the decision of the Ministry of Economy and Trade mandating the mandatory installation of meters, and will conduct a documented study on this matter in the coming period, aiming to update the adopted formula to better align with fluctuations in exchange rates and the economic and social situation of citizens, while considering the needs of private generator owners.

Additionally, the Ministry of Energy and Water confirms it has sent official communications to the Ministries of Interior and Economy regarding the August 2026 tariff to proceed accordingly under the joint monitoring mechanism.

The Ministry of Energy and Water draws attention of private generator owners and concerned citizens to the fact that the following additions are not permitted to be included in the guidance tariff issued by the ministry:

1- An unapproved Value Added Tax (VAT) not legally registered with the TVA Directorate in the Ministry of Finance.

2- Any additional fees or charges under any pretext, such as generator maintenance, network costs, or others...

3- Additional fees for citizens using solar power devices alongside private generators.

Here, the Ministry of Energy and Water appeals to relevant consumer protection authorities, particularly the Ministry of Economy and Trade, to intensify oversight on the proper application of the above guidance tariff and to take maximum enforcement actions against violators, supported by the Ministry of Interior, municipalities, and the competent judiciary.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Energy and Water attaches a detailed breakdown of the guidance tariff formula and will publish this table on its official website: www.energyandwater.gov.lb.