Bustani: Committee to Re-discuss Electricity Plan Next Week

In light of controversy following an electricity plan suggested by Energy Minister Nada al-Bustani, the latter said on Friday the Ministry is “open to any new suggestions,” noting that the plan will be re-discussed next week.

“We extend a hand and are willing to listen to every meaningful observation and constructive criticism,” said Boustani, of the Free Patriotic Movement.

“The ministerial committee will re-discuss the electricity plan next week,” she added.

Last week, Bustani presented an electricity plan to the Cabinet which focuses on building new power plants in Batroun’s Selaata and Nabatieh’s Zahrani, in addition to leasing power generating vessels.

The plan was sharply criticized by the Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea who accused the FPM of failing to address Lebanon’s electricity crisis for the last ten years, referring to the fact that the FPM has controlled the Energy Ministry since 2009.

A ministerial committee formed last week and headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri was tasked to discuss and study the plan within a week.

But due to a heart procedure that Hariri has undergone in Paris, the committee has postponed its meeting.