In light of recent developments regarding the potential early revision of electricity tariffs, a senior official within the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) told The Sunday Morning that the commission was likely to adhere to its pre-scheduled process for deciding on electricity price revisions.

Multiple requests by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to change electricity tariffs throughout the year has raised concerns over whether the CEB is in breach of national policies drafted by the Ministry of Power and Energy.

As per the Government policy introduced earlier in the year, the CEB is permitted to submit tariff revision proposals annually in January and July.

However, contradicting his own statement, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera – who earlier spoke of a policy of revising tariffs twice a year – has now said he supports the CEB’s request for tariff revisions in October. The previous revision was made in July.

The PUCSL official who spoke on terms of anonymity stressed that the final decision on the tariff proposal would be made after the conclusion of a public consultation scheduled for 18 October, in line with regulatory requirements for public input.

PUCSL Chairman Prof. Manjula Fernando has highlighted the importance of public participation and cited the relevant sections of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act that emphasise on the necessity of public opinions and suggestions during tariff revision processes.

However, the CEB has proposed advancing the usual tariff revision from January to this year due to variations in financial projections, electricity generation, and demand compared to initial forecasts.

The CEB estimates a loss of Rs. 31 billion for the current year, prompting the need for adjustments in electricity charges.

The proposed adjustments include a 22% increase in charges to all consumers as a fuel surcharge and an additional Rs. 8 per electricity unit.

Meanwhile, when contacted, CEB Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon emphasised on the criticality of the tariff revision, particularly considering the expected substantial loss of nearly Rs. 31 billion by the end of this year.

Attempts to contact the Minister of Power and Energy and the Secretary to the Ministry regarding the tariff request and the State policy failed.