V L Srinivasan
Manama (Bahrain), March 2:
Independent MP Abdulhameed Jalal Al Meer has proposed a new power tariff system that would reduce
costs for consumers as well as commercial establishments.
In a proposal submitted to Parliament, the MP suggested reduced electricity tariffs for commercial establishments that are majority owned by Bahrainis. He also proposed that the existing tariff system in place since 2005 be changed to ensure that consumers pay no more than 9 fils per unit of electricity.
According to the current system, consumers pay 3 fils per unit for the first 3,000 units of electricity used. This increases to 9 fils for the next 2,000 units consumed and then rises to 16 fils for every unit of electricity over 5,000 units.
Commercial establishments pay a flat rate of 16 fils per unit of electricity.
“I have requested the government to remove the third bracket for domestic consumers. I also suggested that the charges for commercial establishments in which Bahrainis have more than 50 per cent share, be slashed from 16 fils to 9 fils per unit so as to ease burden on them,” Mr. Al Meer told DT.
The government has already provided additional subsidies for food and other basic commodities, however reduced tariffs would go a long way in helping citizens cope with the rising cost of living, the lawmaker explained.
He added that the reductions would also provide an added incentive to businesses looking to invest in Bahrain.
The proposal is to be forwarded to the concerned Parliamentary committee for debate. Members of the committee will discuss the matter with government officials and once cleared by the committee it will then be voted upon and referred to the Cabinet for approval.
Manama (Bahrain), March 2:
Independent MP Abdulhameed Jalal Al Meer has proposed a new power tariff system that would reduce
costs for consumers as well as commercial establishments.
In a proposal submitted to Parliament, the MP suggested reduced electricity tariffs for commercial establishments that are majority owned by Bahrainis. He also proposed that the existing tariff system in place since 2005 be changed to ensure that consumers pay no more than 9 fils per unit of electricity.
According to the current system, consumers pay 3 fils per unit for the first 3,000 units of electricity used. This increases to 9 fils for the next 2,000 units consumed and then rises to 16 fils for every unit of electricity over 5,000 units.
Commercial establishments pay a flat rate of 16 fils per unit of electricity.
“I have requested the government to remove the third bracket for domestic consumers. I also suggested that the charges for commercial establishments in which Bahrainis have more than 50 per cent share, be slashed from 16 fils to 9 fils per unit so as to ease burden on them,” Mr. Al Meer told DT.
The government has already provided additional subsidies for food and other basic commodities, however reduced tariffs would go a long way in helping citizens cope with the rising cost of living, the lawmaker explained.
He added that the reductions would also provide an added incentive to businesses looking to invest in Bahrain.
The proposal is to be forwarded to the concerned Parliamentary committee for debate. Members of the committee will discuss the matter with government officials and once cleared by the committee it will then be voted upon and referred to the Cabinet for approval.
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