State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has officially commenced electricity service operations in GDh. Thinadhoo City, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand its services beyond the Greater Malé Region and strengthen electricity infrastructure across the Maldives.
The commencement of operations was marked by a special ceremony held in Thinadhoo on Tuesday, following the transfer of responsibility for the city’s electricity services to STELCO.
The development brings electricity generation and distribution in Thinadhoo under the management of the state-owned utility company, which has been expanding its operational presence across different regions of the country.
STELCO said the transition is expected to strengthen the reliability of electricity services for residents and businesses in Thinadhoo, with particular emphasis on maintaining a stable and uninterrupted power supply.
The company’s Managing Director, Dr Ali Azwar, travelled to Thinadhoo alongside senior officials to oversee the commencement of operations and assess the existing electricity infrastructure.
During the visit, Dr Azwar inspected the city’s powerhouse and other facilities used in electricity generation and distribution.
The inspection also provided an opportunity for discussions on improving the city’s electricity services and identifying areas where infrastructure and operational arrangements could be further strengthened.
Ahead of the official ceremony, Dr Azwar met with local employees working in Thinadhoo on Monday evening.
Addressing the employees, he emphasised the importance of carrying out their responsibilities diligently, particularly in maintaining the powerhouses and supporting infrastructure necessary for the continuous delivery of electricity.
He called on staff to ensure that the facilities entrusted to them are properly maintained and operated, highlighting the role of employees in delivering dependable services to the community.
The meeting also formed part of efforts to coordinate operations as STELCO assumes responsibility for the city’s electricity services.
According to the company, incorporating Thinadhoo into its electricity network is expected to support improvements in service delivery and strengthen the management of power generation and distribution facilities.
Thinadhoo, the administrative capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, is one of the principal urban centres in the southern Maldives.
The island’s development into a city has increased the importance of reliable public utilities, particularly electricity, which supports households, commercial establishments, public institutions and essential services.
As the city continues to develop, maintaining sufficient electricity generation capacity and dependable distribution infrastructure remains essential to meeting the needs of its population and supporting economic activity.
Reliable electricity services are particularly important for businesses and public facilities that depend on continuous power, including healthcare institutions, educational establishments and commercial operations.
STELCO’s assumption of electricity services in Thinadhoo forms part of its broader strategy to extend its operational capabilities to additional islands and population centres.
The company has been undertaking projects to improve electricity generation capacity, upgrade existing powerhouses and strengthen distribution infrastructure in different parts of the Maldives.
These efforts include the installation of additional generators, improvements to existing facilities and measures aimed at reducing disruptions to electricity services.
The expansion of STELCO’s operations is also intended to bring greater technical and operational support to electricity systems serving communities outside the capital region.
The company has identified maintaining reliable electricity services as a central priority, particularly as demand increases alongside population growth, urban development and expanding commercial activity.
With Thinadhoo’s electricity operations now under STELCO, the company will be responsible for overseeing the city’s power facilities and supporting the continued delivery of electricity services.
STELCO said the Managing Director’s visit included discussions on future improvements to the city’s electricity infrastructure, reflecting its intention to further enhance the quality and reliability of services.
The company has not announced specific new generation projects or additional capacity installations for Thinadhoo as part of the transition.
However, the official commencement of operations represents another expansion of STELCO’s role in the country’s electricity sector, as the company continues efforts to strengthen power generation and distribution across the Maldives.
