No issues in utility bills: URA

The Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) claims the electricity bills have been charged correctly, adding that the authority did not discover any discrepancies with the billing.

Locals have been complaining about the surge in their utility bills in the last few months. Many have claimed the issue remains unsolved despite public frustrations.

While speaking on SSTV's "Baaru Hathareh" program last Thursday, Fenaka Corporation's Managing Director, Muaz Mohamed Rasheed urged URA to probe the issue of rising utility bills.

In response to this, URA spoke with 'Sun' confirming it collected datasets from the utility providers for its evaluation.

URA added its findings concluded the bills have been charged correctly, and added no discrepancies in calculation were discovered.

The authority added that utility bills continue to surge owing to increased electricity usage according to URA's findings.

URA further said no official complaints have been lodged with the authority, but added that it is aware of the concerns raised by the public on social media platforms. The authority said it would investigate any formal queries from the public as well.

Besides Fenaka Corporation, State Electric Company (STELCO) provides electricity across Maldives.

Previously, Fenaka Corporation's chief said no discrepancies were discovered on the part of the utility provider, but added that the rising public complaints need to be assessed.

A STELCO media official last Thursday claimed utility bills decreased in August, with increments reflected for a few consumers.

STELCO previously received several public complaints about the rising electricty bills, after which the utility provider declared, after assessment, it was due to increased usage.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier declared discounts from utility bills for the Islamic sacred month of Ramadan. This was reflected on the bills in March and April, during which the Islamic month coincided.

Despite increasing criticism directed towards utility providers, URA has not made any official statements about the issue so far.