The Municipality of Tripoli Centre will require cafes and restaurants to close by 10pm as part of a pilot programme to reduce electricity consumption, responding to Libya's ongoing power shortages and public unrest over blackouts.
The Municipality of Tripoli Centre has announced a new pilot programme mandating that all cafes and restaurants within its jurisdiction close by 10:00 PM. The measure is intended to help rationalize electricity consumption as Libya continues to face severe power shortages and frequent blackouts since mid-June.
Libya's electricity crisis has triggered widespread disruptions, including telecommunications outages, increased demand and prices for diesel fuel, bread shortages, and the closure of clinics and businesses. The situation has led to public protests, road blockades, and incidents of unrest, placing additional pressure on the Aldabaiba government.
Municipal Measures to Address Energy Consumption
The Municipality stated that the early closure targets the high energy use of electric cooking equipment and ovens in the hospitality sector. The pilot will be implemented in coordination with the municipal guard and the electricity police, with enforcement and monitoring to ensure compliance.
This initiative was discussed during a meeting between the Municipality and the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), attended by Mayor Fadel Abu Argoub, GECOL Chairman Bashir Al-Marash, and other senior officials. The Municipality emphasized that every megawatt saved through conservation efforts would directly benefit citizens by extending electricity availability and improving service stability in central Tripoli.
Grid Stability, Public Response, and Next Steps
GECOL officials informed the Municipality that the South Tripoli power station is nearing commissioning and is expected to support the grid and enhance supply stability, though no specific launch date was provided. The Municipality also called for fair distribution of power loads across Tripoli, highlighting the need to avoid disparities between districts.
Perceptions of unfair load shedding have led to incidents where residents have stormed substations, sometimes resulting in damage such as the recent explosion and fire at substation 16 in Sug Il Juma. GECOL has warned that such actions risk causing wider blackouts.
In addition to the hospitality sector measures, the Municipality announced it will require all public and governmental entities within its area to reduce nighttime electricity use, including limiting air conditioning and lighting. A circular to this effect has already been issued, with enforcement coordinated alongside the Electricity Police and Municipal Guard.
