Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has disclosed that steps are being taken to revise the regulation, enabling utility bills from rental properties to be charged to the tenant rather than the property owner.

The Utility Regulatory Authority Act was revised in the last session of Parliament to tackle challenges encountered by individuals in settling utility bills stemming from variations in billing cycles. The amendment was designed to safeguard the rights of landlords and tenants alike.

The legislature permits meters to be assigned to the individuals utilizing the utility services when the person registered as the meter holder is not the true user. Guidelines describing the protocols were released on November 14, 2023.

Nonetheless, North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) mentioned that some individuals have expressed concerns that meters registered under property owners’ names cannot be shifted to tenants. In a letter addressed to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Kudu asked STELCO, MWSC, and Fenaka to look into the matter.

On Monday, in reply to Kudu’s letter sent in May, Parliament announced that its State-Owned Enterprises Committee had requested information from the three firms and the Environment Ministry.

As stated by the parliamentary office, the businesses raised issues with the ministry about difficulties in enforcing the regulation. The office stated that the ministry is in the process of updating the regulations.

The parliamentary office additionally provided Kudu with the documents that were forwarded by the Environment Ministry, MWSC, and STELCO to the committee.

A concern mentioned by MWSC pertains to Article 10 of the regulation. It indicates that if a tenant resides in a building without a formal contract, the service can be registered by providing a document that verifies there is no objection from the property owner. The service can only be canceled upon a written request from the individual who initially registered, even if the owner later expresses disagreement.

MWSC voiced worries that property owners might forfeit control over utility services after they are registered under the tenant's name. The guideline mandates that services must persist until the registrant seeks cancellation, regardless of the lease's expiration.

MWSC expressed further concerns, whereas STELCO mentioned in its letter that certain provisions hinder service activation. The firm is in talks with the ministry to identify a resolution.

Minister Thoriq notified the committee that discussions have occurred regarding the suggested amendments. On August 20, he signed a letter affirming that the required adjustments are underway.