Electricity bill crisis escalates in Interim Govt. controlled areas

Several areas under the control of the Interim Government in Syria are witnessing growing public outrage, driven by an electricity crisis and a surge in bill amounts increases that residents have characterized as "unreasonable" amid accusations of significant errors in consumption calculations.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), electricity has been completely cut off in the Manbij countryside, with no specific date set for its restoration until the installation of new meters is complete. This move has sparked widespread resentment among residents, particularly as the exam season approaches; students are facing significant difficulties in their studies due to the lack of electricity at night.

Residents have demanded the immediate restoration of power and called for a sufficient grace period to allow for the installation of meters supervised by specialized technical teams rather than the imposition of sudden measures that only serve to deepen their suffering.

Meanwhile, in the Latakia countryside, complaints have escalated following the issuance of exorbitant bills, including one bill amounting to approximately 1.7 million Lira for an uninhabited home raising doubts regarding the accuracy of consumption calculations. Additionally, citizens have reported that patrols are actively disconnecting electricity service for those who have defaulted on payments, amidst a growing wave of public objections.

These complaints are recurring across various regions, with residents reporting bills exceeding 10 million liras for a single billing cycle accompanied by threats of power disconnection in the event of non-payment. This situation exacerbates public resentment amidst deteriorating services and mounting living burdens.

ANHA