Jakarta – Starting Wednesday, electricity rates for 900 volt-ampere (VA) capacity households not categorized as low-income, will increase by 30 percent, the second increase after the withdrawal of the subsidy in January. About 18.7 million are affected by the policy change.
"It is the second withdrawal of the subsidy. The rate increase is 30 percent," said Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry electricity director general Jarman as reported by tribunnews.com.
He explained that in January, rates increased by 30 percent and in June, rates would increase by another 30 percent. The around 4.1 million 900 VA households categorized as low-income will still receive the subsidy.
As an example, a customer who received a Rp 74,740 (US$5.53) electricity bill in December, had a Rp 98,000 bill in January and February. Meanwhile, in March and April he has to pay Rp 130,000 and starting in May, Rp 185,794. (bbn)