President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the second amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority Act, introducing changes aimed at strengthening the administrative and governance framework of the national utility regulator.

The bill was approved by Parliament during the 25th sitting of its second session for 2026, held on August 17.

One of the key changes under the amended law is the expansion of the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) Board of Directors from five members to seven.

The board will include the Chief Executive, who will be appointed by the President.

The revised legislation also requires the appointment of a legal professional to the board and establishes formal procedures governing the conduct of board meetings.

In addition, the amendment updates the rules concerning the appointment, eligibility requirements, and terms of office of URA board members, providing a revised framework for the administration and oversight of the authority.

The Government has also been required to appoint the additional board members introduced under the new structure within 30 days of the amended Act taking effect.

Following its ratification by President Dr. Muizzu, the amendment was published in the Government Gazette and has officially come into force.