Established in 1987, the State Electric Company (STELCO) has played a crucial role in bringing light and power to the Maldives.
Before the company’s inception, electricity in the island nation was scarce and mainly limited to Male’ City. The need for an organized and efficient electrical supply company became evident with the growing population and expanding economy.
To address this need, the Maldives government founded the company on January 18, 1987; which back then was the sole provider of electricity in the Maldives.
Early Setbacks
The company faced numerous challenges during its infancy-era including limited financial resources, insufficient workforce and outdated infrastructure. However, the company’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the Maldivian people spurred them to overcome these obstacles.
The company began slow and steady expansion of its services to the outer islands.
Infrastructure Development
One of the major milestones in STELCO’s rich history was the inauguration of the 17 megawatts Combined Cycle Power Plant in Male’ City in 2006.
The state-of-the-art facility played a pivotal role in meeting the increasing power demands of the capital city.
The company continued to expand its service territory to cover more islands, investing in new power generation facilities and distribution networks. This expansion allowed residents of remote islands to enjoy benefits of electricity.
Environmental Initiatives
STELCO is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, and its strong efforts to reduce carbon footprint. The company began incorporating renewable energy sources into its power generation mix, harnessing the abundant solar energy of the Maldives.
STELCO made strong investments towards renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on fuel to power the generators.
Modernization and Technological Advancements
STELCO embraced digital solutions and smart grid technology to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its electrical distribution system. These advancements allowed for better monitoring and control of the power grid, minimizing outages and improving customer service.
The Road Ahead
STELCO continues to play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the Maldives. Today, the company has grown to become a comprehensive energy service provider, offering electricity across the country.
The company has made its foray into renewable energy sources successfully, and has expanded its business activities beyond simply providing electricity services.
The Bottom Line
STELCO’s history is a testament to the power of determination and vision. From its humble beginnings over three decades back, to becoming the leading energy service provider in the Maldives, the company has illuminated the lives of the Maldivians across the nation.