Despite BD84 million in overdue electricity bills, the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs has kept power on for all supported Bahraini homes under the first-account tariff since December 2022. Meanwhile, MP Hassan Ebrahim inquired about electricity costs, tariffs, state support, and disconnection rules. This prompted the ministry to release updated figures.
Audited 2024 data show that Bahrain Electricity spends about BD550.8 million annually to produce, transmit, and distribute electricity. However, the government covers BD175 million, or 32 percent, to close the gap between actual supply costs and payments from homes and businesses. Most of this support goes to first-account households.
Supplying these households costs BD182.9 million yearly, while collected bills total BD41.3 million. Therefore, the government covers the remaining BD142 million. In comparison, commercial and industrial users receive BD30.7 million in support. Meanwhile, supplying non-supported accounts costs BD284 million against BD253 million in revenue.
Production costs BD416.8 million, transmission costs BD79 million, and distribution costs BD55 million. Consequently, authorities calculate electricity unit costs per kilowatt-hour based on yearly averages.
Arrears across all account types total BD84 million. First-account households owe BD34.6 million. At the same time, commercial and industrial accounts owe BD26.2 million. Unsupported Bahraini households owe BD21.5 million, and non-Bahraini accounts owe BD1.6 million.
Since December 2022, authorities have not disconnected any supported first-account household. However, they cut supply in 15,554 other cases. This includes 6,640 unsupported Bahraini residential accounts, 5,276 commercial and industrial accounts, and 3,638 non-Bahraini residential accounts.
The ministry uses a step-by-step arrears collection process. First, subscribers receive up to six notices over 53 days to pay. In addition, they can use instalment plans or fixed-payment options to spread costs and manage seasonal spikes.
The ministry has been exploring initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce overall electricity costs. Programs include public awareness campaigns, smart meter installations, and incentives for households to adopt energy-saving devices. These measures aim to lessen the financial burden on both the government and consumers.
Authorities plan to continue supporting vulnerable households while gradually enhancing collection strategies for non-supported accounts. By combining modern technology with targeted financial support, Bahrain aims to maintain reliable electricity supply and ensure long-term sustainability of its power sector.
