Angolhitheemu residents take to the streets in protest as electricity bills double, sparking public outrage
The public is expressing significant concern over a sharp increase in electricity bills this month following the conclusion of government discounts provided during Ramadan. In response to the outcry, utility providers STELCO and Fenaka have clarified that the spike is due to increased energy consumption during the current hot season, assuring customers that they are only being billed for actual usage.
Angolhitheemu residents take to the streets in protest as electricity bills double, sparking public outrage. | Social Media
Public concern is mounting over electricity bills that have surged to "unacceptable" levels following the expiration of the significant discounts granted during the month of Ramadan.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on November 14, 2025, that electricity bills for every Maldivian household during the past month of Ramadan would be capped at a maximum of 400 Rufiyaa. However, many citizens expressed dissatisfaction at the time, with some stating they did not want the discount. Concerned members of the public argued that providing such a subsidy would lead to subsequent monthly bills inflating to unacceptable levels.
While STELCO provides electricity to the Greater Male' region, Fenaka Corporation is responsible for power distribution across the atolls.
Disregarding public concerns, a significant discount was applied to electricity bills for the month of Ramadan. Additionally, the government covered the 150 Rufiyaa waste management fee usually paid to WAMCO through the utility bill.
Public frustration has begun to mount over a significant spike in utility costs following the month of Ramadan. While STELCO is yet to issue its latest statements, customers served by Fenaka have already expressed outrage over the high charges on their recently received bills.
Residents of R. Angolhitheemu gathered in front of the island's Fenaka office to protest a significant spike in electricity bills. Protesters described the charges as deceptive, insisting that such high amounts were unjustified. The residents have called on the authorities to conduct fresh meter readings to ensure the accuracy of the billing.
Protesters alleged that the current administration is causing immense hardship for the public and leaving citizens destitute by failing to provide essential services. They further characterized the electricity bills as a major scam, claiming that the government is distributing cases of canned fish using public funds while effectively robbing the people through inflated utility charges.
Furthermore, an individual expressing concern on social media noted that their household electricity bill had never previously reached MVR 3,000, typically remaining below MVR 1,000. However, they reported that despite the Ramadan discount, the latest bill had surged to an implausible amount exceeding MVR 3,000.
As screenshots of utility bills circulate on social media, Fenaka has clarified that customers are billed strictly according to the services they consume.
During the month of Ramadan 1446, the government once again provided discounts on electricity bills. However, the following month saw a surge in public outcry as electricity bills spiked to levels many found unacceptable. Despite allegations that the government was manipulating electricity and water bills for illicit gain, state utilities STELCO, MWSC, and Fenaka have denied these claims.
STELCO has stated that it does not bill for services not rendered, asserting that such allegations stem from a misunderstanding of their billing mechanisms. The utility provider maintains that the recent increase in bills is due to higher electricity and water consumption during the hot season.
