State utility firms running huge losses

Environment and energy minister Thoriq Ibrahim, as well as utility company bosses, were summoned to a government oversight committee session on Wednesday to answer questions on unequal prices between the capital and outer islands.  

People from the islands has been complaining about higher electricity prices and discrimination since last year, when the government cut electricity subsidies and revised tariffs.

The minister and utility bosses, presenting a united front, told the committee that the operating costs for providing the services to remote islands exceeded the income gained from these places, resulting in huge losses for all companies.