Summer utility bills relief plan

UTILITY bills for Bahraini households could be calculated differently to take into account hot weather usage as the government reviews a proposal by the Muharraq Municipal Council to help cut the cost of bills.

Councillors want the government to present subsidised rates for all three consumption categories rather than just the first, which is the current mechanism implemented by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).

Bahrainis with one home qualify for a subsidised electricity rate of just 3 fils per unit, but if they exceed 3,000 units in a month the rate increases to 9 fils per unit for additional electricity consumed.

Those exceeding 5,000 units are charged 16 fils for each unit.

The Cabinet has already ordered an exceptional system since 2019 for high utility bills for Bahrainis with one household from June to August (peak hot season) based on the previous year’s usage, or whatever is lower.

Any new mechanism has yet to be announced with the EWA sending a letter to the council asking for more time to outline modified billing systems. They are expected to be revealed next month with comprehensive explanations and feedback on how bills will be calculated.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/979086