State Electric Company Limited has begun preparations to implement President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s landmark Ramadan relief pledge, announcing special meter readings next week to ensure domestic electricity bills do not exceed MVR 400 during the holy month.
The utility provider confirmed that readings will be carried out on Monday and Tuesday ahead of Ramadan, which begins next Wednesday. The early exercise will allow STELCO to issue separate bills specifically covering the Ramadan period, enabling the government’s promised discount mechanism to take effect seamlessly. Customers have been urged to cooperate to facilitate the process.
The MVR 400 cap was first unveiled by President Muizzu three months ago during a PNC rally marking the administration’s second year in office. Reaffirming his commitment to easing household burdens, the President declared that any domestic electricity bill exceeding MVR 400 during Ramadan would be waived as a government-funded discount.
“The maximum charge for any domestic rate bill during the upcoming Ramadan will be MVR 400. The remaining balance will be provided as a discount,” the President pledged at the time, positioning the initiative as direct financial relief for families observing the holy month.
The move builds on last year’s Ramadan support measures, when the government also introduced electricity and water bill subsidies. According to official figures, total discounts granted during the previous Ramadan amounted to approximately MVR 140 million, underscoring the administration’s readiness to invest in social protection.
By operationalizing advance meter readings, STELCO is ensuring that the President’s commitment translates into immediate and measurable savings for households nationwide. As Ramadan approaches, the government’s subsidy program stands as a reaffirmation of its pledge to shield citizens from rising living costs while upholding the spirit of compassion and solidarity central to the holy month.
