Adhadhu has learnt that the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has not paid bills owed to State Trading Organization (STO) for importing fuel needed to supply electricity.
A credible source told Adhadhu, on condition of anonymity, that STELCO is unable to pay the bills to STO because the government has not been providing fuel subsidies and many government offices have pending electricity bills.
The source also said the government was putting enormous pressure on STELCO Managing Director Hussain Fahmy due to the overdue bills.
Adhadhu understands that government offices owe more than MVR 500 million to STELCO, with the state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM) owing MVR 130 million.
Male' and Hulhumale' faced a total power outage today, with electricity service restored five hours after the disruption.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ordered an inquiry into the power outage. Police said the investigation was launched this afternoon.
