Power supply back to normal

Zahrani upgraded by 34 MW

The power plants of Zahrani and Deir Ammar have both been reconnected to the power grid, according to a statement by Electricité du Liban (EDL). The power feed will be back to normal as of May 20.

Some sections at the Deir Ammar power plant that were disconnected last week due to weather conditions have resumed their production, the EDL said.

The Zahrani plant was briefly disconnected from the power network as the operating company was performing rehabilitation works and upgrades. The EDL had said power rationing would increase for three days due to the works. Power rationing reached nine hours in Beirut.

Zahrani now produces a little less than 500 MW after some 34 MW were added to its output capacity. “The rehabilitation works are part of routine preparations the operating companies perform prior to the summer season,” a source at the EDL said. The preparations will end early in June.

Power consumption across the country peaks during the summer season. “The demand on power will likely rise above the regular levels this summer considering the inflow of Syrian refugees,” according to the source.

The Turkish power ship Fatmagul Sultan is expected to resume production by the end of May, which will further increase the output.