The State Electric Company Limited (Stelco) has announced a significant expansion of its power generation capacity in the Greater Male' area and surrounding atolls, increasing output by more than 200 megawatts to address the nation's growing electricity demands.
Managing Director Dr Ali Azwar revealed that the total generation capacity has now been expanded by 222 MW across the regions served by the company, representing a substantial investment in the nation's energy infrastructure at a critical moment in its development.
The expansion comes as the Greater Male' area and neighbouring atolls continue to experience rapid population growth, placing unprecedented strain on essential services, particularly electricity.
Azwar emphasised that as buildings rise taller and populations become increasingly dense, the percentage of electricity consumption continues to climb year after year, necessitating proactive measures to ensure reliable power supply for residents and businesses alike.
"A major project needs to be brought to the Male' area to cater to the increasing load in the area. We are working on that now," he said, underscoring the urgency of infrastructure development in the capital region.
STELCO currently provides electricity not only to the Greater Male' area but also to four nearby atolls, having extended its service reach further than ever before. The company has additionally assumed responsibility for water and sewerage services on several islands, broadening its mandate as the nation's primary utility provider.
This expanded role followed significant changes to the government's operating system, with services spanning from Baa Atoll to Meemu Atoll—previously handled by Fenaka Corporation Limited—now transferred to STELCO’s management.
Preparing for seasonal demand surges remains a top priority for the company. Azwar noted that STELCO is giving high priority to preparing for the peak season, as electricity consumption typically increases substantially during the summer months. Beyond simply increasing generation capacity, the company has been actively strengthening its distribution network and implementing necessary infrastructure changes to ensure stability during periods of high demand. STELCO expressed confidence that these modernised facilities and expanded operations will enable the company to provide reliable, uninterrupted service to the people as the nation continues to grow and develop.