Increase of 21% in electricity bills

There will be an increase of 21% in the electricity bills in the last quarter of this year. Starting from 1 October 2008.

The average electricity tariffs from October to December would go up by 5.38 cents per kilowatt per hour. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) said the increase is due to higher fuel oil prices.


The average monthly electricity bills look set to rise by S$5.70 to S$22.92 for those living in 1 to 5 room public housing flats.

For those living in the 1 to 3 room flats, this works out to an increase of between S$90 and S$223 in electricity bills for this year.


Although, the EMA claim that the government’s U—save rebates of S$310 to S$330 will help to offset the increases in utilities bills for 1, 2 and 3 room HDB flats. But for 4 room HDB households, the increase to the bill size for this year would be marginally higher than the U—save rebate given, and for those entrepreneurs who are struggling in their business, will also be greatly affected. Their business costs will generally be increase too.

However, the authority said that if the forward fuel prices come down next month, the electricity tariff from January to March 2009 will be reduced accordingly.

Meanwhile, the government had offered an Enhanced Growth Dividends that was given to almost every Singaporean. Whereby, it is on 1 October 2008 too, that we will be receiving the second installment of Growth Dividends of $200+.

Even though it may help to offset with the increases in utilities bills, but the 20% adjustment is still hefty for many people to bear with it. It also seems like the benefits given, will soon be taken back with the increase of electricity bills.

However, it is better than none. That's life.