State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), on Tuesday, announced that 66 megawatts of electricity were used in the capital city of Male' during the month of May.
STELCO General Manager Ibrahim Nahid stated that electricity usage was usually high during the beginning of the year, with significant increases experienced in March, April and May.
"We have the capacity to provide 68 megawatts," said Nahid.
In 2018, electricity usage peaked at 59 megawatts.
In recent years, a consistent increase in electricity use was recorded. STELCO is currently working to establish a powerhouse in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale in order to expand operations.
In response to widespread criticisms of high electricity bills, STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Mugny stated that rates could only be reduced by expanding the use of renewable energy.
The MD revealed that a renewable energy service centre, with the capacity to cater to several islands, would be established shortly.
Additionally, he said that STELCO would initiate a system to enable customers to track their electricity bills online starting from 2020. The system will alert customers if their bills exceed a certain point.
The government has budgeted MVR 1 billion in order to reduce electricity costs.