Hiked bills draw public ire, URA silent

Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) has declined to comment regarding the recently issued electricity bills, with hiked-up charges that has drawn strong public criticism.

Although utility providers have previously responded that the surged bills are reflective of increased consumption, many general consumers claim they have reduced electricity usage over the months to no avail.

Others claim that despite turning all electrical appliances in their residences while away on lengthy vacations, their bills did not reflect it.

Following widespread public criticism regarding the bills, State Electric Company (STELCO) earlier on June 01, opened a customer complaint window, assuring to respond to complains within a maximum of 24 hours.

Utility Regulatory Authority is the mandated body to monitor and regulate all matters concerning utility services, but it had remaind silent on the issue so far.

The authority, responsible with ensuring the utility services - including electricity, water, sewerage, and waste management - are provided efficiently to the public, was established in 2020 during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.

Despite repeated efforts by 'Sun' to get an official comment on the matter since last Saturday, the authority has continued to dodge any queries in line with the issue.

Besides the URA, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has declined to comment on the matter as well.

While STELCO had reasoned that bills surged due to an increment in electricity usage, the public allege mismanagement.

Moreover, the silence of Utility Regulatory Authority on a crucial issue is drawing criticism, further intensifying the issue.