Free Patriotic Movement disputes Lebanon Energy Minister over power barge costs

The Energy Advisory Body of the Free Patriotic Movement has issued a sharp rebuttal to Lebanon’s Minister of Energy and Water, accusing him of dishonesty regarding the costs and nature of power barges.

The advisory body contested the Minister’s claims about the cost of electricity purchased from floating power plants. They argued that the cost of electricity from these barges, at approximately 12 to 13 cents, was actually lower than other sources such as electricity imported from Syria or produced by older domestic plants like Zouk, Jiyeh, Tyre, and Baalbek, which could exceed 17 to 18 cents depending on fuel prices.

Furthermore, the group dismissed the Minister’s threats regarding a forensic audit, suggesting that such an investigation would only reveal his lack of expertise in managing power plants, networks, and stations.