75 Years of Service: STELCO’s Story of Expansion, Excellence, and Sustainability

The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) recently marked 75 years of service, celebrating a remarkable journey that began on June 19, 1949, with a modest 14-kilowatt electricity service powering just 50 homes in Malé. Since then, STELCO has grown into a leading multi-utility provider in the Maldives, delivering electricity, water, and sewerage services across the nation—with innovation, reliability, and sustainability at the heart of its operations.

From Humble Beginnings to a National Lifeline

STELCO’s roots trace back to the Department of Electricity, which first introduced electricity to the capital city of Malé more than seven decades ago. Officially incorporated as a corporate enterprise in 1997, STELCO inherited a critical national mandate: to electrify and modernize the country’s infrastructure.

Since then, the transformation has been extraordinary. STELCO now operates 35 power plants serving over 89,000 consumers on 35 islands. From powering small homes to energizing businesses, hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure, the company has become a vital part of everyday life for thousands of Maldivians.

A Multi-Utility Service Provider

Over the years, STELCO has broadened its scope beyond electricity. Today, the company provides water services on 14 islands and sewerage services across 19 islands. This expansion reflects STELCO’s commitment to holistic development and sustainable infrastructure.

In support of modern living standards, STELCO also operates a dedicated Sales Center in Malé, retailing essential electrical products, and a Service Center offering engineering consultancy and utility-related services.

A Sustainable and Renewable Future

STELCO’s vision—Prosperity through excellence in utility services—is increasingly driven by renewable energy and environmental consciousness. Solar PV now accounts for more than 7% of the company’s power generation, with further expansion in renewables identified as a key strategic priority.

The company has also embraced innovation through initiatives like smart metering, digital customer experiences, and performance tracking, aiming to bring efficiency and transparency to its growing consumer base.

Living Its Core Values

At the heart of STELCO’s success are the values it stands for: Excellence, Teamwork, Health & Safety, Integrity, Customer Centricity, and Sustainability. These principles guide every service delivered, every network expanded, and every challenge overcome.

With the guiding acronym EARTH—Excellence in Operation, Assured Service, Renewable Future, Trusted Customer Service, and Healthy Finance—STELCO continues to build on a legacy that connects technological advancement with public service.

Strategic Goals for a Resilient Tomorrow

STELCO has set out 19 strategic goals to carry its mission forward. These include increasing capacity and efficiency, enhancing cyber security, improving staff development, ensuring gender equality, and minimizing downtime. Additionally, it seeks to expand renewable energy use, modernize water and electrical systems, and reinforce its financial sustainability through improved cash flow and debt management.

A Beacon of National Development

As STELCO marks its anniversary, it does so not only as a company with a proud past but as a key player in the Maldives’ development future. With a customer base expected to cross 100,000 in the coming years and operations stretching from the northernmost islands to the southern atolls, STELCO continues to be a symbol of national resilience and innovation.

This anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of STELCO’s enduring promise: to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable utility services to every corner of the Maldives.