Khaberni - Engineer Mohammad Al-Habashneh, a member of the Engineers Syndicate Council, confirmed that the main reason behind the noticeable increase in electricity bills during December and January is due to the adopted slab system and the progressive tariff.
Al-Habashneh emphasized that among other reasons is the increase in monthly consumption exceeding 600 kilowatt-hours, which leads to the bill value quadrupling compared to the first slab.
He explained that the tariff implemented since April 1, 2022, divides consumption into 3 slabs: the first from 1 to 300 kilowatt-hours at a rate of 50 fils, the second from 301 to 600 kilowatt-hours at a rate of 100 fils, and the third for over 600 kilowatt-hours at a rate of 200 fils per kilowatt-hour.
Al-Habashneh pointed out that moving from the first to the third slab does not represent a slight gradual increase, but constitutes a significant jump in total cost, which explains the increase in citizen complaints during the winter season.
He added that the drop in temperatures directly reflects on the increase in consumption due to the intensive use of water heaters and heating and air conditioning devices, confirming that this relationship is technically proven and well-known in the energy sector.
He highlighted that publications by the Jordan Electricity Company show an increase in the maximum electrical load during periods of severe cold, noting that comparing loads on dates like January 16 and 19 clearly reveals the impact of cold weather on increased demand.
In his speech, Al-Habashneh stressed that it is unfortunate that the issue of electricity bills has become a subject for populism and stirring public opinion away from scientific and technical bases.
He explained that the issue of compensating for losses is not a direct cause of the current increase, while the discussion on the fairness of the progressive tariff is a legitimate right deserving calm and responsible treatment.
Al-Habashneh called on citizens to adopt a rational pattern in energy consumption during the winter season, adhering to the guidelines issued by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission, which include: rationalizing the use of water heaters, adjusting the temperatures of heating and air conditioning devices, operating devices only when needed, and using high-efficiency appliances, which contributes to reducing the financial burden on families and maintaining the stability of the national electrical system.
It is noted that the Engineers Syndicate, represented by Al-Habashneh, participated in a comprehensive meeting attended by the head of the energy committee in the syndicate, which was called by the parliamentary energy committee with representatives from the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission, to discuss the reasons for the rise in bills during the winter.
The meeting emphasized the importance of enhancing the transparency of the electricity tariff and enabling subscribers to understand how bills are calculated to balance consumer protection and ensure the sustainability of the electricity sector.
Al-Habashneh conveyed the readiness of the Engineers Syndicate to cooperate with various institutions in the public and private sectors to improve services and ensure their balanced cost, calling for a comprehensive study of the current tariff slabs to consider fairness and the economic reality of the citizens.
