PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Mines and Energy issued a press release on September 20, to announce reduced electricity prices for industrial and agricultural consumers connected to medium and high voltage networks across the country.

Following the orders of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the ministry will reduce electricity rates for over 21,000 businesses starting in October with the intent to encourage those enterprises to expand production, ultimately creating more jobs in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

The discount will apply to businesses that connect to medium and high voltage networks across the country that have used above the monthly average of electricity in the last six months. According to the announcement, businesses will receive a 10% discount on the average monthly energy consumption from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 9pm. Their power usage will receive a 20% discount from Monday to Saturday between 9pm and 7am and all day on Sundays and public holidays. Eligible Consumers of industrial and agricultural power who feel they can increase consumption and wish to receive the discounts must apply to their local electricity supplier.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy states that the benefit does not apply to government institutions in the areas of commerce and housing, as consumers in this category are already subsidized by Electricité du Cambodge and the Royal Government of Cambodia.