Hooray, The Free Electricity Program Is Extended

Illustration (Photo: Public Relations of PLN)

JAKARTA - The government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has extended the free electricity program for underprivileged citizens until December 2020. Previously this program was only valid until September.

The free electricity tariff is for 24.16 million 450 VA electricity customers and a 50 percent discount for 7.2 million subsidized 900 VA customers. This was done to help the economy of the people who were sluggish due to COVID-19.

"We suspect that this pandemic will continue, and our brothers and sisters are not recovering. The country is back," said Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Rida Mulyana, in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, August 11.

According to Rida, this decision was taken after discussions with ministries and agencies. "There is the Ministry of Industry, Kemenpar, and others. We finally decided to extend it until the end of the year or until December 2020," he said.

Rida detailed that, for the free electricity stimulus program and a 50 percent discount, the government prepared an additional budget of IDR 12.18 trillion. This value covers 24.16 million 450 VA subscribers and 7.2 million subsidized 900 VA subscribers from April to December or 9 months.

"Approximately the budget that the government needs to spend for 9 months is Rp.12.18 trillion in this first package and this has been agreed upon in the government," said Rida.

The free electricity stimulus for PLN customers is one of the government's efforts to support the community's economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the government also provides social assistance both in cash and through basic necessities.