• In favour of industries receiving relief 

The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers' Union (CEBEU) has raised concerns regarding the upcoming electricity tariff revision, stating that a significant reduction in domestic electricity bills could be detrimental to the CEB. 

Speaking to the media yesterday (18), CEBEU President Dhanushka Parakramasinghe said that the next tariff revision is likely scheduled for 1 July (next month) and highlighted that social media reports suggest that a substantial decrease in domestic electricity bills is anticipated. He opined that such a huge reduction in the tariff could negatively impact the financial stability of the CEB. 

“An abnormal reduction in the electricity bill from the next electricity tariff revision would be unfavourable for the CEB. Obviously, the electricity tariff should be reduced. But, it has to be done in a favourable manner,” he stated. He also pointed out that industrial consumers are not expected to benefit significantly from the proposed tariff changes. He emphasised the need for industries to receive relief, citing high manufacturing costs and the lack of profitability as major issues. “People are shutting down industries because of unbearable manufacturing costs and not having profits. The electricity bill has been a major reason for this,” Parakramasinghe claimed.

Hence, the Union urged the Ministry of Power and Energy and the CEB management to approach the tariff reduction with caution, ensuring that any changes are balanced and beneficial to both the consumers and the institution. The CEBEU also stressed the importance of a tariff revision that supports industrial growth while maintaining the financial health of the CEB.

Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena and the Public Utilities Commission Member Douglas Nanayakkara were unavailable for comment.