Muizzu’s claim that Ramadan electricity bills will not exceed MVR 400 churns public concern

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s recent claim that electricity bills during the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan will not exceed MVR 400 has prompted widespread questions and concerns among the public.

At a gathering of the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) held on Friday night, the president stated that for every household billed at the domestic rate, the maximum charge for electricity during Ramadan would be capped at MVR 400.

He said that, as with previous years, Ramadan gifts would be distributed, including cases of canned tuna. He further stated that any amount above MVR 400 on domestic-rate electricity bills would be discounted during the month.

However, many people have voiced dissatisfaction with this announcement. Members of the public have noted that while electricity discounts were introduced last Ramadan, the aftermath was severe. Several residents reported that once the discounted period ended, their electricity bills rose to unacceptable levels, leaving many unwilling to accept similar discounts again.

Despite the president’s assurance, some citizens fear that electricity bills could climb above MVR 4,000 in the coming days. Allegations of government corruption linked to electricity and water billing have been circulating, though both STELCO and MWSC have denied such claims.

STELCO has maintained that it does not bill for services not provided and attributed the allegations to misunderstandings about the billing mechanism.

Due to a sharp rise in public complaints, STELCO announced in late 2024 that it was investigating the issues. At a press conference on 3 August 2024, then-STELCO Managing Director Hussain Fahmy revealed that 21 percent of households in Malé City had electricity bills that were unacceptably high and that an energy audit was underway.

Despite this announcement, STELCO has not shared any findings or updates on the audit to date.