Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government has temporarily lowered the electricity tariff for low-voltage customers of the state-owned electricity company PT PLN to serve as a stimulus for people reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The electricity tariff will be reduced by Rp22.5 per kilowatt hour (kWh) to Rp1,444.7 per kWh for seven groups of low-voltage customers, from October to December, according to the Energy and Mineral Resource Ministry on Saturday.
The ministry's spokesperson, Agung Pribadi, noted in a statement that the tariff reduction is in accordance with the directive of Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif to PLN's president director pertaining to the electricity tariff adjustment.
The lower rate applies to all homes above the 900-volt ampere (VA) category, businesses between the 6,600-VA and 200-kVA category, and government offices.
Pribadi remarked that the decision to cut the rate was taken to help people affected by the pandemic while concomitantly boosting the nation’s economy.
"The electricity tariff reduction is expected to ease the burden of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time drive the nation’s economic wheels," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Executive Vice President Communication and CSR of PLN Agung Murdifi noted that the cut will placate the burden for low-voltage customers.
"(The cut) is expected to offer room for low-power customers to utilize more electricity in boosting economic and everyday activities," he stated.
"Please enjoy the lower bills and use electricity comfortably and, of course, safely," Murdifi added.
The government had earlier provided free electricity for households in the 450-VA category and a 50-percent discount for households in the 900-VA category, starting since April, 2020.
Related news: Government extends electricity-relief scheme until September 2020
Related news: Ministry holds virtual meeting with PLN customers over bill surge
EDITED BY INE
