Khalid Al-Sulaiman

Okaz

My electricity bill increased from SR405 to SR1,361 and later to SR1,931 within a three month period. This increase does not make any sense, given that the rate of consumption has not changed. I have no idea how much the July and August bills will be. These are the hottest two months of the year when electricity consumption dramatically increases. If the government implements its plans to decrease its subsidy for electricity and increase electricity rates, I am going to receive an electricity bill that is exorbitant.

I would like to renew my calls for delaying the implementation of the decision to increase rates and ask for the decision to be put on hold until the end of the summer season. This would spare consumers from paying a large amount for electricity. Even people who get government aid are unable to pay the bills.

If delaying the implementation of this decision will cause a delay in launching the Citizen Account Program (CAP) on time, it should still be delayed because delaying the CAP will not cause as much damage as enforcing the increase in power rates.

Another reason for the authorities to delay implementing the decision to increase rates is because the Saudi Electricity Company is not yet ready to apply the new tariff on time.