The domestic category electricity tariff rate was reduced to provide electricity services to the people in the most convenient manner possible, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said, vowing to do everything possible to maintain the rates in a sustainable manner.
President Muizzu announced the reduction in domestic category electricity tariffs effective from June 1 in a post on social media on Friday. In his announcement, the President said he has asked the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to manage the implementation in a sustainable manner. The President also included the current tariff rate for the domestic category and the amount to be charged after the price reduction.
Band 0-100: Current rate: MVR 1.50- New rate: MVR 1.25
Band 101-200: Current rate: MVR 1.70- New rate MVR 1.50
Band 201-300: Current rate MVR 2.15- New rate MVR 1.50
Band 301-400: Current rate MVR 2.50- New rate MVR 1.50
Band 401-500 Current rate MVR 2.95- New rate MVR 2.66
Band 501-600 Current rate MVR 3.55- New rate MVR 3.20
Band +600 Current rate MVR 4.25- New rate: MVR 3.83
In his interview with state media, the President said that the purpose of the reduction is to provide relief to the people. He does not wish for the people to bear any suffering due to incompetence on the part of the government or companies in handling the energy policy, he said.
The President said he reduced the domestic category electricity tariff rate to provide electricity services to the people in the most convenient manner possible, and therefore, power companies providing the service must also work to improve the services provided.
“This is the first time in the history of Maldives that I know of, thag such a reduction has been introduced this way. I have done this very simply. I do not want the people to take on the burden of inefficiency of companies or problems in managing energy policy by the government. The government’s aim is to bring ease to the people,” he stated.
The President said the government will invest extensively in the renewable energy sector. He said he would manage reductions in electricity tariff rates through strengthening electricity utilities, with the goal of making 30 percent of the country’s energy consumption from renewable sources by 2028.
In line with the President’s pledge, the government has given discounts and waivers on electricity bills during the past two Ramadan months. The government has also cancelled long-standing penalties for non-payment of electricity and water bills for households.
In addition to the discount on electricity bills for the month of Ramadan this year, the government has also given a significant relief to households due to increased electricity consumption due to the heat wave in April.
