Thousands sign up with 'Hafez' to support energy and water preservation efforts
The Hafez program, also known as the "green triangle," is a government initiative in Kuwait aimed at promoting electricity and water conservation among citizens living in private and commercial residences[1]. Launched in 2021, the program offers incentives to encourage consumers to reduce their utility consumption, with benefits extending to the environment, the economy, and the citizens themselves[2].
At its core, the Hafez program provides discounts on utility bills based on the consumer's savings levels[1][2]. For instance, customers who manage to reduce their electricity or water consumption by 20% or less will receive a 40% discount on their utility bill. Those who save more than 25% on water consumption will enjoy a 50% discount. If customers save on both electricity and water combined, the total discount can reach up to 90% of their bill[1]. Furthermore, installing renewable energy systems like solar panels increases the discount to three times the usual amount[1].
The discounts are applied to utility bills (not cash payments) and credited annually in January or February, following official approval[1]. The program is designed to help reduce government subsidies on utilities, which currently cover a significant portion of production costs. This saved funding can be redirected to development projects[1].
By 2025, over 8,400 citizens had registered with the program, indicative of growing public participation[3][4][5]. In the program's first year, 947 citizens joined, with 513 of them successfully reducing their electricity and water consumption. These participants settled outstanding dues totaling 266,000 dinars[1].
The Hafez program is based on Law No. 20 of 2016 concerning tariffs, specifically Article 5[1]. All legal approvals for the program were obtained from the Fatwa and Legislation Authority and the Ministry of Finance[1].
Saud Al-Ajmi, the Director of the Automated Center Department and Head of the Hafez Program Team, emphasizes the need for continued internal efforts to raise awareness about the program[2]. In 2021, the Ministry paid incentives worth 12,000 dinars to participants who successfully reduced their consumption[1]. However, it's important to note that these incentives are separate from the discounts offered through the Hafez program[1].
In conclusion, the Hafez conservation program offers a structured and financially attractive way for citizens to contribute to energy and water conservation, helping both individuals reduce expenses and the government optimize resource allocation. The program's triple benefit—helping the state redirect savings from subsidies toward development projects, reducing environmental pollution, and rewarding citizens who adopt sustainable consumption habits—makes it a significant initiative in Kuwait's ongoing efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.
References: [1] Al-Rai Daily Newspaper. (2021, September 15). Hafez program: 947 citizens registered in the first year. Retrieved from https://www.alraimedia.com/business/kuwait-news/hafez-program-947-citizens-registered-in-the-first-year
[2] Al-Qabas Daily Newspaper. (2021, September 16). Al-Ajmi emphasizes the need to raise awareness about the Hafez program. Retrieved from https://www.alqabas.com.kw/article/5918282
[3] Al-Anbaa Daily Newspaper. (2022, July 23). More than 8,400 citizens have registered in the Hafez program for electricity and water conservation. Retrieved from https://www.alanbaa.com/article/5998549
[4] Al-Seyassah Daily Newspaper. (2022, July 23). The Hafez program: 8,461 customers registered for electricity and water conservation as of July 22. Retrieved from https://www.alsayassah.com/article/5998697
[5] Kuwait Times. (2022, August 1). Hafez program: 8,461 customers registered for electricity and water conservation as of July 22. Retrieved from https://www.kuwaittimes.net/2022/08/01/hafez-program-8461-customers-registered-for-electricity-and-water-conservation-as-of-july-22/
The Hafez program, grounded in scientific principles, is an initiative aiming at encouraging environmental-science practices by reducing electricity and water consumption among Kuwaiti citizens. The program's success in offering technology-based solutions, such as incentivizing the installation of solar panels, promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly future in Kuwait.
