Minister of Energy & Water (Likud) Silvan Shalom promises the next major government reform will target the Israel Electric Company (IEC). According to Shalom, the reform will include the firing of up to 2,000 employees. He also promises to eliminate the infamous job perk, free electricity for the company’s employees.

Shalom, who served in the past as a chairman of the utility’s board of directors explains that he is aware the company has an enormous debt, 76 million NIS, which he promises is being addressed by his office. He is calling for the immediate dismissal of the current board and an in-depth probe to determine how this debt came about.

Shalom reports he has already begun talks and meetings with IEC directors, labor officials, the treasury officials and other experts, and promises when the fact-finding is done, a major reform plan will be announced. Shalom made a point of highlighting that the free electricity that employees have been receiving for decades is coming to an end.

The minister also speaks about buying electricity from private firms towards lowering electric rates.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)