Jurong East Cost of Living Referendum: Projected Changes to Monthly Household Utility Bills

The ballot measure on the Jurong East Cost of Living Adjustment Act, scheduled for a 15 October referendum, would change how the town council distributes utility subsidies starting January 2027. The legislation states that qualifying households would receive a fixed monthly credit on their PUB and SP Group bills rather than the current tiered rebate system.

Why the measure reaches voters now

Global energy price movements recorded in the 2025 national budget papers have increased the town council’s subsidy outlay by 18 percent over two years. Local advocates note that the existing rebate structure, last updated in 2023, no longer matches the consumption patterns of newer HDB blocks in Teban Gardens and Pandan Gardens. The referendum gives residents a direct vote on whether to shift to the credit model.

Under the proposal, households in one- to three-room flats would receive a $28 monthly credit, while four-room and larger flats would receive $18. The credits would appear automatically on bills issued after 1 January 2027. Policy analysts say the change would affect roughly 62,000 accounts currently receiving the old rebate.

Direct effects on resident budgets

For a typical four-room household in Block 201 Jurong East Street 21 that uses 400 kWh of electricity and 15 cubic metres of water each month, the new credit would replace the present $12 rebate. The net result, according to the draft implementation schedule attached to the bill, would be an additional $6 reduction in the monthly bill. Residents in five-room flats with higher consumption would see a smaller net change because the credit amount is lower.

The legislation requires the town council to publish an annual reconciliation report by 31 March each year showing total credits issued and any surplus or shortfall. If the credit model produces a shortfall, the council would need to draw from its operating reserves rather than raise service and conservancy charges.

Voters will receive polling cards by 1 September. The government says the policy will take effect only if approved by a simple majority of valid votes cast in the Jurong East divisions. Results are expected the same evening, with the new credits scheduled to appear on bills issued from February 2027 onward.