In 2014 the Electricity of Timor-Leste EDTL Directorate was able to $17,532,062 to the State’s public coffers.
The Minister of Public Works (MOP) Gastao de Sousa said in 2012 was only able to collect $52 thousand and compared to the receipts of 2014, the revenue was substantially higher.
“This represents our effort and it shows progress,” said Minister Sousa the National Parliament, Dili.
The minister added some communities continue to consume electricity illegally however they represent the minority of consumers given most pay for electricity.
“The communities began cooperating with the government and are using electricity legally.”
Meanwhile Member of Parliament MP Inacio Moreira from Commission E (infra-structure, telecommunications and transport) said this was a significant milestone reached by the electricity sector.
“It represents the sounds investment that was done on the power sector,” said MP Moreira.
The MP urged the government to make further progress in particular go after those who are using electricity illegally.
“So that every year we increase [revenue],” he said.
Minister Sousa also warned district based communities that have access to grip power but whom EDTL has not been able to collect fees from. “We must charge them so there is a balance.”
