- Indonesia extends electricity relief scheme
- Scheme to run until the end of the year
- The relief scheme aims to reduce the financial burden occasioned by the pandemic restrictions
Indonesia’s state-owned electric utility PLN has extended the relief scheme for electricity tariffs until the end of the year. The government’s relief scheme aimed to ease the burden of electricity bills on consumers due to the restrictions on public and economic activities imposed by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The Director-General, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Electrification, Rida Mulyana said stated that the extension of the scheme would cost US$341.56 million.”The government has decided to continue the electricity support through December, with the same provisions applied in the second and third quarter of 2021,” Mulyana said.
Customer Management Director, PLN Bob Saril, stated that the company supported the extension of the scheme and hoped the scheme would provide support to small businesses. ”We support the government’s decision to provide electricity support for small-home owners and businesses affected by COVID-19,” Bob said.
Under the relief scheme, the Indonesian government is implementing a 50% discount for consumers and businesses in the 450-volt-ampere (VA) category, the lowest of six power usage categories under prevailing regulations. Other incentives include a 25% discount for homes and businesses in the 900-VA category, an exemption from the minimum account requirement for business, industrial and public service customers. Postpaid and prepaid customers are also eligible for discounts.