In Lebanon, daily electricity power cuts range from 3 to 14 hours depending on the area. Except for Zahle, the only city in Lebanon that has no blackouts. Electricite de Zahle, a private company managed by Mr. Asaad Nakad, granted a license to produce and distribute electricity exclusively in Zahle back in 1920 before the government monopoly was enforced.
Dr. Mardini noted that the problem in the rest of Lebanon is due to a government monopoly over production as private companies by law are not allowed to enter the market. Unlike in London, where consumers can choose between more than 45 different suppliers of electricity.