Sonelgaz cuts electricity to recover 7,500 billion DZ

Algeria’s Sonelgaz company will cut electricity in public and private enterprises as well as people who do not pay bills. The due money reached 7,500 billion DZ while the national company could not cover production costs due to the financial crisis.

Sonelgaz’s agents started a campaign in areas, houses and companies to collect due money before cutting electricity if they refuse to pay.

People say Sonelgaz sent them formal notices asking them to pay the due money. If they do not pay, electricity will be cut.

Sonelgaz’s CEO Mohamed Arkab said his company is exposed to bankruptcy and can not continue operating.

“This formed pressure on the company because of the huge due money,” he told a national TV channel.

Figures show that Sonelgaz’s debts are estimated at 75 billion DZ while lost electricity value due to theft or other reasons reached 3 billion DZ.

“Cutting electricity” campaign comes following a series of awareness-raising programs with clients to pay bills. 

Sonelgaz says the campaign will continue until December 2017.