Do you think people tend to waste electricity because it is subsidised?

Biplab Nanda Hota Private sector employee
Yes many people waste electricity. Shops and supermarkets in Oman do not turn off their lights even after they close down for the night. The government should withdraw subsidy on power so that consumers especially commercial establishments realise the importance of conserving it.

Raja Rao Private sector employee
I do not think so. Lights are left on in building lobbies for safety. Street lights are also needed to avoid accidents. However I feel it will be good if the government installs motion sensor lights in its buildings that switch on only upon sensing movement.

Pankaj Lamyan Private sector employee
Yes electricity is wasted in Oman because it is subsidised. Signboards of shops and supermarkets remain lit up even after shut-down time. People should use power judiciously. Turn electrical appliances off after use and set a temperature for air conditioners. These steps will save energy.

Isha Sharma Homemaker
Services offered on subsidy are not valued. Electricity is no different. Only vital installations streets and hospitals need electricity at all times. Shops should turn off their signboard lights after shutting down in the night.

Suraj Ramillawar Private sector employee
It's mostly in public places and buildings that we see wastage of electricity. Simple steps we follow at home to save electricity can be practised at public places too. Companies should install sensor lights in their buildings and spread awareness on energy conservation among employees.

Nasser Khamis al Yahmaddi Government sector employee
Subsidised services like electricity are misused. I think commercial establishments waste electricity the most. There are many places in the country which still do not have access to electricity. Judicious use of power by people can help the government create grids for these places too.

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Will bills with information on subsidy encourage rational use of electricity?

Ansari H Raut Store In-charge
Yes. It will help raise awareness regarding saving electricity and also help me keep a tab on my consumption.

Shehryar Munir Student
It will help in calculating the bill easily. It will also make people appreciate the government for the subsidy it gives on amenities. However I doubt if it will be effective in promoting energy conservation.

Arun Gaur Engineer
This information on the bill will be an eye-opener for many customers as it will give them a clearer picture on usage. I hope they will rationalise electricity usage.

Sana Ammar Homemaker
I think it is a positive step. This information will help people monitor their consumption better. I am sure this will lead to rational use of power and eliminate the problem of erroneous bills to a certain extent.

Shias Puthern Assistant HR manager
I usually monitor domestic electricity consumption closely and try to rationalise usage. This information on the bill will be beneficial for those who pay no attention to such things. If people know the break-up of the actual price and the subsidy offered they may begin to act more responsibly.

Layali al Joyyousi Student
Providing information regarding subsidy is a good move by the government. It will help create awareness at least among some consumers. I feel most people here do not bother about electricity bills because of the subsidy offered.

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Do you think it is time for the household sector to prepare for subsidy cuts like in the commercial sector?

Irfran Ali Accountant
After petrol I am sure electricity too will become dearer. Withdrawing the subsidy will not affect me because I believe in judicious usage. Subsidy or not conserving energy is everyone's responsibility.

Khalid Ali Administrator
A cut in subsidies is possible especially since petrol prices have been raised. Gradually everyone will adjust to increased power tariff too. I think I will further rationalise electricity use if the subsidy is withdrawn.

Siddiq al Hashmi Manager
I'm expecting a subsidy cut on electricity looking at the current economic situation. If subsidies are removed the government should inform people about the actual cost other means of generating electricity and the companies involved in supply and distribution.

Ajit Panicker General manager
I am expecting that will happen. Currently the power tariff is quite low. We have been enjoying the benefits of subsidies all these years. Now it's payback time. I am a judicious user so higher rates won't affect me much.

P L N Rao Bank accountant
Yes. By removing the subsidy the government will be able to help more people. The move will also help it provide uninterrupted supply to many areas across the country. I hope the government increases the price gradually giving people time to adjust.

Ijaz Masood Rana Manager
I feel the subsidy on power for the household sector should not be removed as many people have already been hit by the slump in oil prices. If electricity bills too increase it will be difficult for people.