President Muizzu Cuts electricity costs of public places lighting

President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that councils will be charged domestic electricity rates, instead of higher government rates, for lighting roads and public spaces across all cities and islands.

Previously, electricity for street lights, parks, and public squares was billed at the government rate, which starts at MVR 4.50 per 100 units and can go up to MVR 7.50 per 600 units. In contrast, domestic rates begin at MVR 1.25 per 100 units and rise to MVR 3.83 per 600 units.

In a post on X on Sunday night, President Muizzu said that starting January 1, 2026, utility companies Fenaka and STELCO will apply domestic electricity rates when billing local councils for public lighting.

The President noted that this move will free up more funds for other essential municipal services.

This follows a similar decision made last year to apply domestic electricity rates for mosques, helping to reduce their operating costs as well.