999 million MNT discounted from ger area electricity bill

The Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network says it provided discounts worth 999 million MNT to almost 110,000 families through the nighttime tariff program in November.

The government decided to stop charging for nighttime usage of electricity in 2017 to support ger area families and promote the use of electricity to replace smog-producing stoves. The discount was offered in November last year and will continue through April 1, 2019.

According to Head of Pricing and Market Department at the Energy Regulatory Commission N.Bolor-Erdene, families living in ger areas of eight districts of Ulaanbaatar, provincial centers and soums with a population of more than 10,000 people are eligible to receive the 100 percent discount on nighttime electricity consumption. In particular, the nighttime tariff is for electricity used between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

“220 voltage consumers will receive 100 percent discount if they use no more than 700 kilowatts per hour at night for a month, 50 percent discount if they exceed this amount. On the other hand, 380 voltage users will receive 100 percent discount if they use no more than 1,500 kilowatts per hour, but 50 percent discount if they exceed this amount. As for those living outside the capital, they will all receive a 50 percent discount,” said N.Bolor-Erdene.

Families living in ger areas are advised to have separate meters for their daytime and nighttime electricity use. Reportedly, over 90 percent of households in Ulaanbaatar’s ger areas have two electric meters.

Head of Sales Policy Department at the Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network D.Saranchimeg clarified a few things about the nighttime tariff.

“Consumers aren’t required to sign a new contract (to apply for nighttime tariff discount). Families that have signed with the Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network and have daytime and nighttime meters will be able to immediately receive the discount. People interested in receiving the discount need to pay attention to two things. First, they must not have pending electricity bills. So if you haven’t paid your electricity bill, make sure to pay it before applying,” she said.

“Secondly, families must be well protected from electrical and fire hazards. This means, not overusing your electricity and insulating wires,” D.Saranchimeg advised.

Almost 80 percent of the Air Pollution Reduction Fund is being spent to provide nighttime electricity discounts and making up for the loss.