STELCO: Bills high despite discount due to hot season

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) states electricity bills this Ramadan were high despite discount as Ramadan coincided with the hot season this year, resulting in an increased usage of electricity.

The government announced a 10 percent discount on both electricity and water bills for this Ramadan.

However, the high electricity bills despite the discount have garnered public backlash, with some households reporting doubled electricity bills despite the discount.

Speaking with Sun regarding matter, STELCO’s Spokesperson, citing electricity usage generally increases during the month of Ramadan, said it would be further exacerbated this Ramadan as the hot season coincided with the holy month this year.

The Spokesperson underscored that the issue had come to light last year as well. However, the Spokesperson said the electricity bills were relatively lower this Ramadan compared to the last.

Prior to this, STELCO stated it would incur MVR 160 million to cover the discount on the electricity bills.

Moreover, February’s bill was issued earlier than usual to prepare a separate bill for Ramadan. The short timeframe between the January and February bills raised concerns among some members of the public.

STELCO’s Managing Director Hussain Fahumy has defended the decision, citing it had been pre-informed to the public via media and had been in the best interest of customers. On this note, Fahumy stressed that the course of action ensures a specific bill for Ramadan that pertains to electricity usage during Ramadan only.

Providing a long-term solution to surging utility bills during Ramadan is a key pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Muizzu.