State Electric Company (STELCO) has revealed plans to introduce renewable energy means in five islands where it is currently providing conventional power.
The ambitious plan was revealed by the Managing Director of STELCO Hussain Fahmy on Thursday, 02nd May 2024. This echoes to the utility provider’s January announcement to introduce battery-powered electricity in five local islands.
Besides this, Fahmy, while speaking on ‘Raajje Miadhu’ program of the state-run PSM News, revealed the plan is to introduce renewable energy means in a total of 33 islands in the future, with preparations to introduce the services already underway for five of these islands.
“Since the first round of bids were expensive, we reopened the bidding. We got reasonable quotes during the second time around,” Fahmy said.
Fahmy earlier said that out of the islands in Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaal and Vaavu atoll, in which it provides services, STELCO would establish alternative power means. Additionally, he said that the current plan is to introduce battery-powered units capable of providing electricity up to 12 hours before the current year ends.
Fahmy also revealed, later on Thursday, STELCO will establish new powerhouse outlets in the islands where it has received plots for the purpose.
While STELCO is working to relocate powerhouses in residential areas, the new establishments will be developed to modern standards.
Later on Thursday, Fahmy further said STELCO will extend discounts to the electricity bills of Ramadan; which would be sent to customers once tallied.