President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced his decision to abolish the tiered bands currently used in calculating electricity bills for the general public. Instead, the President introduced a flat-rate system, marking a significant reform in the country’s energy billing structure.
President Solih, speaking passionately during a campaign rally on Thursday, emphasized the pressing need to ease the financial strain on the people, particularly after paying for essentials such as water, electricity, and rent. He expressed his commitment to finding practical solutions to reduce electricity bills for households.
“We are deciding today to charge a flat rate for every household,” President Solih declared, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of this decision. This means that, following the abolition of the tiered billing system, households will pay a uniform rate for their electricity consumption.
Importantly, President Solih clarified that this change will ensure that the proportion of electricity bills remains consistent, regardless of the amount of electricity consumed. However, the specific flat rate and the timeline for implementing this billing adjustment were not provided during the announcement.
Currently, the State Electric Company Ltd. (STELCO), the government-owned electricity provider in the Male area, employs a billing system that categorizes electricity consumption into various bands. This system will undergo a significant transformation following the President’s decision.
The President’s move to introduce a flat-rate system for electricity billing aligns with his campaign strategy, focusing on easing the financial strain on the population. As the country heads into the presidential runoff, these policy announcements are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiments and preferences, particularly among households concerned about their utility expenses.
President Solih’s commitment to addressing key economic and social issues underscores his determination to improve the lives of the Maldivian people and secure their support in the upcoming election.
