The Collapse of Gaza's Electricity System – Well-Planned and January 28, 2009 The Collapse of Gaza's Electricity System – Well-Planned and Foretold in Advance

1967 The Israel Electric Company receives a concession to supply electricity to the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 2006 Revenues of the Israel Electric Company from electricity sold to the West Bank and Gaza Strip: $266 million (US) 1998 A new power station, privately owned, is established in the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Strip requires 240 MW electricity. 10% permanent deficit (23 MW) The Gaza Strip requires 240 MW electricity. 50% Israel (120 MW) 33% Gaza Power Plant* (80 MW) 7% Egypt (17 MW) * Production capacity of the Gaza Power Plant during optimal current conditions, in which sufficient amounts of industrial diesel are available, and taking into account partial repair of the turbines bombed by Israel in June 2006.

Gaza's Power Plant has three turbines that run on industrial diesel. The industrial diesel is paid for by the European Union, and it can be used only for running the turbines in the power plant.

No passage through Rafah Crossing. Even after the "disengagement", Israel continues to control the flow of fuel and goods into Gaza. No passage by sea. Industrial diesel supply is permitted through Nahal Oz. No passage by air. No passage through Rafah Crossing.

1999-2006 The Power Plant produces 118 MW, half of Gaza's consumption needs. June 2006 The Power Plant is bombed by Israel, and its production capacity is reduced to 43%. After a year and a half of partial repair, potential production capacity rises to 80 MW. October 2007 Israel decides to restrict the amount of industrial diesel permitted to reach Gaza, limiting production to no more than 65 MW. November 5, 2008 Israel closes the crossings to the Gaza Strip, including the crossing for industrial diesel. Within 8 days, the Power Plant shuts down.

Industrial Diesel Supply to Gaza's Power Station Nov. 2008 - Jan. 2009 Amount needed to operate station at current capacity Amount ordered by Israeli Supreme Court Amount permitted in fact

The Result: November 5, 2008 - December 26, 2008 (before military operation): Power Plant closed for 29 days. December 27, 2008 – January 17, 2009 (during military operation): Power Plant closed for 12 days.

50% Israel (120 MW) 25% Gaza Power Plant (60 MW) 7% Egypt (17 MW) As of January 27, 2009: Power plant can produce just 60 MW out of a production capacity of 80 MW. Maximum potential supply of electricity to Gaza residents - 82% of the need: Deficit of 18% (43 MW) 50% Israel (120 MW) 25% Gaza Power Plant (60 MW) 7% Egypt (17 MW)

Much of the electricity supply cannot reach consumers at all, because of tremendous damage to the infrastructure during the military operation.

Damage to the electricity infrastructure is estimated at 10,412,500 $ (U.S.) Israel is preventing the entrance of spare parts for the electricity and water systems. 38 transformers have been stuck in warehouses on the Israeli side for the past four months. Israel continues to block entrance of building materials needed to repair infrastructure.

The Result: 20% of Gaza residents are still cut off from electricity supply because of damage to secondary lines. 80% of Gaza residents experience power outages of 16-18 hours per day, on average.

Implications for the Water and Sewage System: 200,000-250,000 Gaza residents are cut off from access to running water. The rest of Gaza residents receive water for 6-8 hours every 2-5 days. Of three wastewater treatment stations, just one is working. 9 sewage pumps are working partially or not at all, causing sewage to spill into the sea.

Gisha calls on the Government of Israel: To remove restrictions on the supply of fuel to the Gaza Strip. To permit passage of all the spare parts needed to repair the electricity, water, and sewage systems. To increase the volume of goods permitted to enter the Gaza Strip, including construction materials necessary to repair the infrastructure and buildings damaged during the military operation.

Thank you … www.gisha.org To the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) for significant assistance in preparing this presentation. To the Gaza Power Plant and the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU) for providing information and data. To the United Nation Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for permission to use the map of Gaza that appears in this presentation. The content and views expressed in this presentation are the sole responsibility of Gisha-Legal Center for Freedom of Movement. www.gisha.org