Electricité de Zahlé story began in 1907 when a group of Zahle local citizens
requested authorization for power generation and distribution. From that group
effort originated a new company that will continue to bring value to Zahle
community for a century to come.
In 1910;
First legislation was signed for the purpose of generating power for the
operation of a railroad network that starts at Maalaka, passes by Zahle and
ends at Wadi El Arayesh. This power is to be used as well to provide both Zahle
and Maalaka with the electric power needed for local industry and heating.
In 1914;
The launching of the project was suspended because of the outbreak of World War
I.
In 1923;
A new resolution was issued declaring a concession on using the natural water
resources of the Birdawny River for power generation.
In 1924;
The concession was bought by its first founders; the company known today as
"Electricité de Zahlé" rises and work begins.
In 1925;
Wadi El Arayesh hydroelectric plant equipping begins to generate power for
Zahle, Maalaka and surrounding regions.
In 1927;
EDZ completes and occupies the company bureaus on Jisr Street, Zahle. And the
installation of an electricity meter at Souk El Blat sets up the first
subscription.
In 1962;
Karak steam power plant begins operation with a generating capacity of 3 MVA as
demand for electric power grew.
In 1984;
EDZ initiates its technological development program in all company’s
departments and dedicates itself to continue introducing more and more
technologies for a better and better service.
In 1999;
EDZ launches the implementation of an Automated Mapping / Facility Management /
Geographic Information Systems (AM/FM/GIS) project that updated the utility
processes from mere paper work to the GIS-IT environment.
In 2000;
EDZ losses reduction plan starts. Technical and non-technical losses for both
medium voltage and low voltage networks drops from about 25%, year 2000 figure,
to less than 10%, today's figure, which is the lowest in Lebanon and most
probably in the whole region.
In 2003;
EDZ becomes the first Lebanese electricity utility to be awarded, for the
entire corporate structure, the certification of Quality Management System
(QMS) in compliance with the EN ISO 9001:2000 requirements.