Generation Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has approved a rise in electricity tariffs, which according to sources is set to affect the lives of residents. The new rates will come into effect by the end of the current financial year. Dr. Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Shehri, Governor of ECRA, approved the new tariff, which is as follows: According to sources, the ECRA was given powers only to change the tariffs of non-residential electrical consumption and not of residential electrical consumption, but the ECRA found a way to raise tariffs, Al-Yaum Arabic daily reported. Although based on law, the rise affects the stability of citizens' life, the Arabic daily said. The Council of Ministers' decision No. 170 dated 29/10/2000 called for reassessing the electricity tariff, the newspaper said. The new increase in tariffs may lead to an increase in rental prices of real estate and make life difficult for citizens who won't be able to afford such tariffs, the sources said. The sources called for having the Shoura Council approve the new changes in electricity tariffs before implementing them so that citizens' interests are preserved. The old rate, which was calculated in amperes, was as follows: The usage of 30 amperes cost SR690 at SR23 per ampere; 60 amperes cost SR1,380 at SR23 per ampere; 100 amperes cost SR3,800 at SR38 per ampere; 150 amperes cost SR5,700 at SR38 per ampere; 200-299 amperes cost SR11,400 at SR57 per ampere; 300-399 amperes cost SR18,800 at SR62.7 per ampere; 400 amperes cost 26,600 at SR66.5 per ampere; over 400 amperes cost SR26,600 with SR250 for every additional kilovolt. — SG New Tariff Usage Cost Cost per kV (in kilovolts) 30 SR1,800 SR60 60 SR5,700 SR95 90 SR13,500 SR150 120 SR19,800 SR165 152 SR26,600 SR175 __
