Electricité du Liban (EDL) issued the following statement:
On September 29, 2026, a 20 MVA power transformer at the Boulos Arqash substation in the Litani Service Area suffered a technical failure. The transformer supplies electricity to large parts of the Jezzine and Iqlim al-Kharroub areas and their surroundings, resulting in a severe shortage of electricity in these regions.
Following the breakdown, EDL attempted to replace the damaged transformer with a similar spare unit located at the Jib Jannine substation. However, technical teams were confronted by objections from some local residents and community representatives and were forcibly prevented from completing the transfer of the spare transformer. EDL stressed that moving the unit would not have affected electricity supply to the Jib Jannine substation or neighboring areas.
The corporation clarified that the spare transformer in Jib Jannine has a capacity of 20 MVA and had been in service for several years. It was replaced with a larger, 40 MVA transformer to meet additional demand at the Jib Jannine substation and across the Western Bekaa region. The older unit was subsequently kept in reserve for use elsewhere on Lebanon’s electricity grid as needed.
Following the necessary contacts and coordination with the security forces, the Lebanese Army and the relevant political representatives, EDL succeeded on November 6, 2026, in transferring the transformer from the Jib Jannine substation under Lebanese Army escort. The unit is set to be installed at the Boulos Arqash substation in the coming days, with the aim of restoring normal electricity supply to Jezzine, Iqlim al-Kharroub and surrounding areas.
In conclusion, EDL thanked President Joseph Aoun for following up on the matter, saying his efforts helped overcome the obstacles and ensure the transfer was completed. The corporation also expressed its gratitude to the security forces, particularly the Lebanese Army, for accompanying the technical teams and providing the necessary protection throughout the operation.
On September 29, 2026, a 20 MVA power transformer at the Boulos Arqash substation in the Litani Service Area suffered a technical failure. The transformer supplies electricity to large parts of the Jezzine and Iqlim al-Kharroub areas and their surroundings, resulting in a severe shortage of electricity in these regions.
Following the breakdown, EDL attempted to replace the damaged transformer with a similar spare unit located at the Jib Jannine substation. However, technical teams were confronted by objections from some local residents and community representatives and were forcibly prevented from completing the transfer of the spare transformer. EDL stressed that moving the unit would not have affected electricity supply to the Jib Jannine substation or neighboring areas.
The corporation clarified that the spare transformer in Jib Jannine has a capacity of 20 MVA and had been in service for several years. It was replaced with a larger, 40 MVA transformer to meet additional demand at the Jib Jannine substation and across the Western Bekaa region. The older unit was subsequently kept in reserve for use elsewhere on Lebanon’s electricity grid as needed.
Following the necessary contacts and coordination with the security forces, the Lebanese Army and the relevant political representatives, EDL succeeded on November 6, 2026, in transferring the transformer from the Jib Jannine substation under Lebanese Army escort. The unit is set to be installed at the Boulos Arqash substation in the coming days, with the aim of restoring normal electricity supply to Jezzine, Iqlim al-Kharroub and surrounding areas.
In conclusion, EDL thanked President Joseph Aoun for following up on the matter, saying his efforts helped overcome the obstacles and ensure the transfer was completed. The corporation also expressed its gratitude to the security forces, particularly the Lebanese Army, for accompanying the technical teams and providing the necessary protection throughout the operation.
