Electricity bill relief approved as businesses gain support

TDT | Manama

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For many shop owners, the lights stay on even when customers do not come. The electricity meter does not slow down, and the bills arrive on time, regardless of how the day’s sales have gone. During the parliament session, that burden eased as MPs approved measures to compensate businesses for electricity and water costs.

MPs Khalid Buanaq, Hesham Al Awadhi, Ahmed Al Salloom, Mohammed Al Marafi and Zainab Abdulameer submitted the proposal, calling for urgent support for businesses affected by regional developments and security tensions.

MPs said the move comes as some sectors face disrupted activity and declining footfall, which has affected their ability to meet financial and operational obligations. Among the most pressing issues are electricity bills, which remain a fixed cost even when income drops.

They noted that some businesses have accumulated unpaid electricity bills during periods of reduced activity or partial closure, increasing financial pressure and raising concerns about their ability to continue operating.

The approved measure aims to ease this burden by studying mechanisms to compensate for or reduce these costs, allowing businesses to regain stability and continue their operations.

For business owners, the decision offers more than financial support. It provides recognition at a critical time, as many continue to operate under pressure, trying to sustain their businesses and protect jobs.

For now, the decision offers stability, helping businesses hold their ground while waiting for activity to gradually return to normal.