In the past few weeks, close to half a million people have signed a petition calling on the Electric Company to switch to ‘kosher electricity’ on Shabbos by hiring gentile workers. On Thursday, a meeting was held between Rabbi Binyamin Chota and senior IEC officials in an attempt to reach understandings on the subject.

As reported by YWN-Israel, the utility company stated it would not entertain such a move without a sufficient number of persons requesting it.

The meeting was attended by IEC Chairman Yiftach Ron Tal, Ram Erlichman, Deputy Director-General of the Israel Electric Corporation and Director of the Energy and Production Division, Einav Chashai, Director of Public Relations and Regulation in the Government, and Gili Mishaniya, Assistant Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Israel Electric Corporation.

The rabbi and the heads of the company discussed the section on electricity sector reform that the government recently passed, which obliges the IEC to supply ‘kosher electricity’ on Shabbos. While the Electric Corporation is interested in operating local generators only for chareidi centers, the rabbis are trying to bring about a solution in all parts of the country.

Kikar Shabbos News adds that significant progress has been made in the meeting and an understanding by senior company officials. “I was surprised by the managers of the Israel Electric Corporation, that they want a solution more than any other person I have met,” Rabbi Chuta is quoted saying after the meeting.

Rav Chuta requests that those who have not yet requested the Shabbos electricity, to please do so by dialing *6665 or calling 03-308-0800.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)