Libya plans to import electricity from neighbouring Egypt and Tunisia and to rent power generators to avoid power outages. The country will import 250 MW from Tunisia and 75 MW from Egypt; under an existing agreement, Libya can import up to 100 MW from Egypt. Libya has also rented temporary generators with a combined capacity of 240 MW. In November 2014, APR Energy had suspended operations in Libya due to delays in the renewal of a 450 MW power contract. The country plans to restart the Sarir power plant this week and power supply will be eased by the closure of steel maker Lisco, which should save 100 MW.
Libya's electricity consumption has more than doubled since 2000, while power capacity increased at a much slower pace. In addition, power and oil infrastructures were damaged in 2011, causing frequent power shortage and forcing large electricity consumers to stop their operations.