Libyan PM Aldabaiba Blames GECOL for Power Cuts Despite Billions Spent

Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba publicly lashed out at the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) during a cabinet meeting on Saturday, blaming the state-owned firm for the return of lengthy power cuts and a sudden blackout. The outburst came after billions of dollars had been spent on the electricity sector over the past three years, which Aldabaiba said had led Libyans to believe the shortages were behind them.

The prime minister’s criticism, broadcast live, has sparked debate over whether the crisis stems from mismanagement rather than lack of funds. Observers note that while spending has been high, fuel supplies to power stations—controlled by the National Oil Corporation—remain unreliable, and the country has failed to invest in renewables.

GECOL has yet to issue a formal response, though sources suggest the company’s leadership was caught off-guard by the public rebuke. The head of GECOL may face dismissal as pressure mounts to restore stable power.

Meanwhile, Libyans continue to endure hours-long outages, with businesses and households alike feeling the strain. The government faces a difficult choice between exporting gas for revenue or diverting it to domestic power generation.

Article and image source: libyaherald.com