Morocco's Electricity Subsidy: Who Will Benefit?
In an important development for Moroccan citizens, the government has announced plans to cover small electricity bills starting January 2027. However, this initiative will not extend to Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) who own homes that are used solely for vacation purposes. This exclusion is particularly significant for those who maintain secondary residences in Morocco, which are typically occupied only during the summer months. As a result, these properties, which often have low energy consumption throughout the year, will not qualify for the financial support being rolled out by the state.
During a session before the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 30, Minister Fouzi Lekjaa clarified that the financial aid would only apply to monthly electricity bills not exceeding 100 dirhams. This means that households with bills as low as 30 or 60 dirhams will not automatically qualify for the subsidy, particularly if their homes are classified as vacant or seasonal. According to the government's estimates, approximately six million electricity subscriptions in Morocco fall under this category, representing about 60% of the country's electricity customers, with an average monthly bill of 56 dirhams.
Implications for Moroccans Living Abroad
The implications are particularly crucial for Moroccans living in countries such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The government's determination of how a property is utilized will be key in deciding eligibility for the subsidy. For instance, a home that is occupied year-round by family members will be viewed differently than a property that remains unoccupied for eleven months out of the year. The criteria for distinguishing these situations will need to be clearly defined at the time of implementation.
Following the exclusions, the government estimates that approximately 4.26 million subscriptions will benefit from the subsidy, with an annual cost projected at 2.83 billion dirhams. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income households while ensuring that it reaches the intended recipients. It is also worth noting that the subsidy will extend to prepaid meters commonly used in rural areas, where beneficiaries will receive monthly credits. Additionally, subscribers billed based on consumption will also be eligible for this financial support. Overall, this measure is part of the broader financial legislation set to take effect in January 2027 as Morocco seeks to enhance its social support systems.
As reported by bladi.net.
