State Electric Company (STELCO) announced it will be reducing electricity rates from establishments that run NGOs or other social service agencies.
The utility provider will be introducing a new ‘Social Category’ under electricity tariff to provide electricity at lower rates.
STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shareef said the company currently provided lower electricity rates for such establishments under the business tariff. Business tariff rates are comparatively higher than resident tariff.
According to Shareef, mosques or football pitches are social environments that do not generate income, and thus, requires leniency. He also argued that treating these places in the same category as profitable businesses will not be fair.
Since many of these NGOs or other non-profits operate in establishments where business tariff is levied, the expense on electricity is significantly high.
STELCO is currently working with Utility Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology to bring the changes.
The change is also in line with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s vision.
Business tariff between 300 units to 10,000 units of electricity are charged between MVR 3.65 and MVR 5.75 in Male’ City. Under the same tariff, 300 units and above are charged MVR 6 in other atolls.