Muscat: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has conducted a comprehensive program aimed to rehab electricity consumption subsidy in coordination with the concerned departments.

This was announced by the APSR at a press conference held yesterday with the Ministry of Information about the electricity sector.

The assessment comes within the government’s vision and keenness to ensure the success of the program of re-orienting subsidy to the electricity and water sector for the “entitled segments” as approved in the Medium Term Fiscal Balance Plan (2020-2024) that was announced in December 2020. Generally, the assessment seeks to alleviate burdens on the whole society, given the circumstances of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The outcome of the assessment was as follows:

1. Increasing the number of “units” in electricity cost segments, for the first two accounts of citizens, as follows:

–       The First Category is to be from zero kilowatts per hour (0 kw/h) to 4000 kw/h.

–       The Second Category is to be from 4001 kw/h to 6000 kw/h.

–       The Third Category to be for those who consume more than 6000 kw/h.

2. Maintaining the approved rating and avoiding any increase of tariff during summer months this year.

3. Re-calculation of electricity consumption for the months of May and June in accordance with the new approved categories.

The APSR, in line with legal jurisdiction, has instructed licensed distribution firms to suspend the disconnection of service in the months of the summer and to introduce re-scheduling solutions for the bills of May and June for interested subscribers.

The Authority is currently embarked on assessing other tariffs for economic and farming activities to adapt to the current circumstances.

The Authority for Public Services Regulation reaffirms to the citizens that it will continue to revise the function of the electricity sector on a regular basis.

The Authority pledged to promote public services and protect the rights of all citizens.