30% cut in total value of power bills

Muscat: the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has decided to increase the previously set reduction rate on electricity bills for the residential category as per the directives of the Council of Ministers.

It was decided to increase the previously prescribed reduction rate set on electricity bills for the residential category from 15 percent to 30 percent of the total bill value for all subscribers with basic and national subsidy accounts for July and August 2023.

The authority said it will conduct a comprehensive review of electricity costs without compromising on the quality of services as part of the efforts to find alternatives and solutions to address high electricity bills during summer months for the upcoming years. The new decision, however, will not benefit owners of the residential buildings who have rented out their properties.

It may be noted that an exorbitant surge in electricity bills topped the talk across social media platforms in the country last month, forcing the Nama Group to issue a statement.

Both citizens and residents have been seeking solutions as high utility bills diminish their purchasing power, especially those from low-income groups. Residents too have been feeling the pinch though there have been no signs of the summer heat easing out even in the second week of October. According to a citizen, bills have been touching RO 180 to RO 200.

The general reaction is that a bill of around RO 100 and above for someone with a salary of RO 500 plus is virtually unaffordable.

Even expatriates with pre-paid smart meters in their apartments are affected as they have no option but to recharge a sizeable amount every week or pay a hefty bill every month to avoid disconnections. Nama Supply Company said in a statement that it followed with great interest what was being circulated on social media regarding the issue of electricity bills during summer.

“We thank our subscribers for their interest and direct communication with us through our various channels to inquire about their bills, which contributed to monitoring all incoming inquiries and answering them.”