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Syria: Electricity prices up by 3,000 per cent
Before the war, Syria had one of the most developed electricity networks in the Middle East. More than nine out of ten people had access to electricity, and in the country's largest cities, power was available around the clock. Today, the situation has been turned upside down.
“Before the conflict, electricity was something most Syrians took for granted. Families, businesses, hospitals and schools could rely on having power whenever they needed it. Today, daily life revolves around planning around power cuts and rising costs,” says Håvard Hovdhaugen, Country Director for Norwegian Church Aid in Syria.
Before the civil war began in 2011, Syria's electricity sector was one of the country's best-functioning public services. More than 90 per cent of the population had access to electricity, and a nationwide grid connected all governorates. The country generated between 8,500 and 9,500 megawatts of power from natural gas, oil and hydropower from dams along the Euphrates River.
“Syria had challenges even before the war, including ageing infrastructure and the need for investment. But compared to the situation today, electricity supply was stable and accessible to the vast majority of people,” says Hovdhaugen.
Electricity available only a few hours a day
The war took a heavy toll on the energy sector. Power plants, substations and transmission lines were damaged or destroyed. In some areas, electricity was available for as little as two hours a day.
The situation has improved somewhat since the change of government. In areas where infrastructure remains functional, people now receive between 12 and 18 hours of electricity a day. However, major challenges remain.
“Although more people now have access to electricity for part of the day, the cost has become an enormous burden. Many families spend a large share of their income on electricity bills. For households with little or no income, the challenge is not only access to electricity, but whether they can afford to use it,” says Hovdhaugen.
Electricity prices have risen dramatically in recent years as subsidies have been reduced. According to Norwegian Church Aid’s partners in Syria, electricity tariffs have increased by around 3,000 per cent compared to rates before and during the crisis. At the same time, many families are struggling with low wages and high inflation.
Solar panels have become a lifeline
To cope with the energy crisis, many Syrians have found their own solutions.
Families with financial resources have invested in solar power systems and batteries to become less dependent on the public grid. Others pay for electricity from private generators, a solution that is often expensive and unreliable. The poorest households still depend on the limited hours of electricity provided through the public network.
“Solar energy has become a lifeline for many people. It allows families, schools and health services to continue functioning even when the grid fails. That is why we are investing in renewable energy solutions that can support both emergency relief and long-term development,” says Hovdhaugen.
Norwegian Church Aid has installed more than 1,900 solar panels across Syria. The systems provide electricity to water supply schemes, health clinics, schools and other critical community services, helping nearly 200,000 people gain access to essential services.
“Access to energy is about much more than keeping the lights on. It is about access to clean water, healthcare, education and opportunities for people to rebuild their lives. In Syria today, solar energy is helping communities do exactly that,” says Hovdhaugen.
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