Egypt Slashes Electricity Bills by 30% for Six Months on 'Coded Meters'

The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy in Egypt is implementing significant facilitations announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the “Egypt Forum 2026”. A key measure is a 30 percent discount on electricity bills for “coded meters” – prepaid meters used for informal or unregistered housing units established before 2024. This reduction will be effective for a period of six months.

An official source from the Ministry of Electricity confirmed that the discount will be applied automatically to future top-ups of these coded meters once the decision is enacted, requiring no additional steps from eligible subscribers. The ministry is currently adjusting the calculation mechanism for the price per kilowatt-hour to reflect the mandated reduction. As a result, the price per kilowatt-hour will decrease from LE2.74 to LE1.92.

This initiative aims to balance the regularization of consumer status through direct concessions with the state's rights. The government intends to encourage the integration of properties and buildings into the official electricity grid by offering more flexible procedures, thereby combating unauthorized practices and informal utility connections.

Coded Meters vs. Conventional Meters

A “coded meter” differs from a conventional, legally authorized electricity meter in its legal standing and billing process. Coded meters are installed in unauthorized or unlicensed properties and are assigned a code number instead of being registered under the property owner's name. While they measure electricity consumption and bill users, their installation does not serve as legal proof of ownership or property regularization. In contrast, conventional meters are registered in the subscriber's name according to official procedures, and their billing adheres to established tariffs and regulatory structures, including tiered pricing for residential consumption.