Dili, Dec. 17, 2025 (Lusa) - The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance will conduct audits of public institutions' debts to the company Eletricidade de Timor-Leste (EDTL), according to a resolution approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

"The decision takes into account the existence of accumulated debts relating to the supply of electricity, estimated at around $28 million [around €24 million], which have an impact on EDTL"s financial sustainability and operational capacity," the statement said.

The resolution stipulates that the Ministry of Finance shall calculate the amounts actually owed so that part of the payment, $18 million (around €15.3 million), can still be made this year.

The Ministry of Finance will also define a phased plan to settle the remaining amount in the following years.

"The measure also establishes the obligation for public institutions to adequately budget for electricity supply expenses, to avoid the accumulation of new debts and ensure the sustainability of the services provided by EDTL," the statement added.

Earlier this year, the Timorese government approved the transfer of $166.5 million (around €142 million) to EDTL to ensure energy supply throughout the country.

The president of EDTL, Paulo Silva, said in an interview with Lusa in February that he intends to ensure access to energy supply throughout the country by 2026.

Currently, the country's electrification rate is 99.7%.

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