Khaberni - The Energy and Mineral Resources Committee in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, will discuss the rise in electricity bills in December each year.
The chairman of the committee, MP Ayman Abu Henia, announced on Monday that the extended meeting to discuss the rise will include all relevant parties, to examine the noticeable increase in electricity bills during this period each year, understand its technical and regulatory reasons, the adopted pricing mechanisms, and to discuss ways to find practical solutions that will alleviate the burden on the citizens.
He affirmed that the committee regards the issue of electricity bills as a sensitive livelihood issue that affects all citizens, emphasizing the importance of coming out with realistic, implementable recommendations that balance the sustainability of the energy sector with consumer protection, while considering the economic and social circumstances of the citizens.
The President of the Board of Commissioners of the Energy and Mineral Regulatory Authority, Ziad Al-Saayda, confirmed that the rise in citizens' electricity consumption during the winter season, and their move to higher consumption tiers, have significantly contributed to the increased energy costs for them.
In a statement to "Al-Mamlaka" on Tuesday, Al-Saayda explained that the reason for the rise in electricity bills for December is primarily due to increased consumption, not due to a rise in prices, noting that the electricity tariffs "have not been amended since 2022".
The committee also discusses the Gas Law for the year 2025, as Abu Henia said that the project represents a modern and comprehensive legislative framework to regulate the gas sector and hydrogen derivatives in the kingdom, responding directly to the requirements of the next phase in the energy sector, whether in terms of security of supply, the gradual transition to clean energy, or enhancing the national energy infrastructure.
He clarified that the draft law is characterized by clear legislative flexibility, as it includes multiple types of gas, including natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen, aligning with global transformations in the field of sustainable energy, and enabling Jordan to keep up with technical and investment developments in this vital sector.
Abu Henia noted that the draft law comprehensively covers the main gas activities, including import, transport, distribution, storage, wholesale, and retail, within an integrated system that allows for shared or self-use of facilities, and provides legislative clarity in regulating different stages of the value chain.
He pointed out that the draft law establishes clear mechanisms for calculating fees and returns, and grants licensees the freedom to sign investment agreements and sell gas within a transparent environment based on fairness and competitiveness, balancing the rights of the state and the rights of investors.
The draft law assigns the responsibility to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to issue competitive tenders or to directly receive bids for developing shared infrastructure projects, with the ownership of these facilities and infrastructure projects reverting to the government, within a regulatory framework that ensures the continuity of gas supply and the protection of investors' rights, according to Abu Henia.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Water Committee discusses the topic of purchasing and distributing feed by the Grain Silos Company.
And the Financial Committee of the Parliament continues to discuss the report of the Audit Bureau for the year 2024, focusing on the Greater Amman Municipality.
