Jibal promotes the democratic access to energy, as well as the collective management of the energy resources and distribution. Within this broader vision, and in collaboration with University College London (UCL), Jibal held a Citizens’ Assembly (CA) on “Energy and Electricity Justice in Hamra” in 2025.
The Citizens’ Assembly (CA) on “Energy and Electricity Justice in Hamra” was held over three sessions in November 2025 in Hamra, Beirut. It was organized by Jibal, with methodological guidance from University College London, and built on the first Hamra Citizens’ Assembly on energy justice conducted in 2020.
Since the first assembly, Lebanon’s energy context has changed dramatically. Public electricity provision declined further, fuel subsidies were removed, and diesel shortages led to prolonged power cuts and rising costs. While some households turned to private generators or solar systems – achieving partial or full energy autonomy – others lost access to electricity altogether, alongside worsening air pollution and growing inequality.
In response, the second assembly aimed to assess the current energy situation, introduce participants to alternative energy models, and define shared priorities for energy justice in Hamra. Thirty-five randomly selected residents took part in a structured process of learning, deliberation, and democratic decision-making to answer the central question: how can communities collectively reduce the cost, pollution, and mental burden of electricity on daily life?
More details on the process, recommendations, and key outcomes can be found in the short report.