A fresh push is under way to overhaul Bahrain’s subsidised electricity tariff system, with MPs and municipal councillors urging the government to introduce a fourth subsidised category for extended families living under one roof.
They argue that while the government’s recent decision to increase the third subsidised tier from 5,000 to 7,000 electricity units has provided relief, it has failed to address the realities faced by large households where several generations continue living together because of soaring housing costs and lengthy waiting lists for government homes.
The parliamentary proposal, spearheaded by Parliament’s services committee acting chairman Abdulwahid Qarata, has been referred by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee for detailed study.
Mr Abdulwahid Qarata said families of up to 20 members were increasingly common, making it almost impossible to remain within the current subsidised ceiling.
Mr Abdulwahid Qarata
“It is not like people are getting homes within a year,” he said. “Many Bahraini families wait around 20 years before they can move into government housing. During that time, married sons, their wives and children continue living with their parents under one roof.
“A house originally built for five people can easily accommodate 20 family members. It is completely normal for electricity consumption to exceed 10,000 units in such circumstances, yet these families are pushed into the highest 32-fils tariff, the same rate charged to companies and expatriates.
“We are asking for a fourth subsidised category covering consumption of up to 14,000 units at a reduced rate so genuine Bahraini families are not financially punished simply because they have remained together.”
He also called on the Social Development Ministry to identify extended families sharing homes and provide assistance in line with the original Cabinet directive issued in December 2025.
Backing the proposal, his uncle – Parliament’s second deputy speaker Ahmed Qarata – said preserving the extended family structure should remain a national priority.
Mr Ahmed Qarata
“The Bahraini family has always been built on solidarity between generations,” he said. “Government support should reflect today’s social realities. Families who remain united while waiting for housing deserve encouragement, not larger utility bills.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said the proposal recognised changing economic conditions.
Mr Abdullatif
“Young Bahrainis are delaying moving into their own homes because housing and living costs continue to rise,” he said. “Helping extended families through a fairer tariff system is an investment in social stability and will ease financial pressures without compromising the subsidy system.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said local councils had witnessed growing complaints from residents struggling with escalating utility bills.
Mr Al Naar
“Municipal councils deal directly with families every day and we clearly see this issue becoming more widespread,” he said. “The solution is not complicated. Genuine extended families should receive additional support while appropriate safeguards prevent misuse of the system.”
The renewed calls follow the Muharraq Municipal Council’s unanimous approval of a proposal allowing close family members sharing one property to obtain separate utility accounts and sub-addresses despite relying on a single meter.
The initiative, submitted by Arad councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi, was prompted by complaints from a family where a father, his married sons and grandchildren all lived together, causing their combined electricity usage to exceed the subsidised threshold.
Mr Ahmed Al Meghawi
“This is not an investment property or a building rented to strangers,” Mr Al Meghawi said. “This is a Bahraini family living together as one household. They should not be treated financially as if they are operating a commercial complex.
“We are not opening the door for abuse. There must be proper regulations and verification, but genuine Bahraini families should not suffer because they choose to stay united.”
His nephew – Hidd councillor Mohammed Al Meghawi – said mounting financial pressures were forcing many newly-married couples to remain with their parents.
Mr Mohammed Al Meghawi
“These families should be supported, not burdened with massive utility bills that create emotional and financial stress,” he said. “Our society is built on family solidarity. When parents, children and grandchildren support one another by living together, that should be recognised as social stability rather than something that results in financial penalties.”
Under the revised electricity tariff introduced by Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Yasser Humaidan, first-home Bahraini consumers now receive subsidised rates of three fils for the first 3,000 units, nine fils for the next 2,000 units and 16 fils for consumption between 5,001 and 7,000 units, with any usage above 7,000 units charged at the full 32-fils rate.
Supporters of the proposal say introducing a fourth subsidised tier would bridge the gap for large extended households until families are able to secure homes of their own.
