Decision to increase power tariffs blamed on Treasury

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Cabinet had approved the proposed revision of the existing electricity tariffs because the Treasury was in no position to provide adequate funding for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to continue its operations, Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardane, said yesterday.

Gunawardena said that the Cabinet paper seeking a tariff revision had been submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.

“We have been left with no alternative but to revise the existing electricity tariffs to ensure a continuous electricity supply in the country while minimising the impact on electricity consumers, as much as possible,” he said.

The Minister said that the proposal would be sent to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for further study. PUCSL has been instructed to submit any revisions, on or before 15 February 2023.

“Until then, the CEB and the PUCSL will jointly take necessary measures to implement the electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board, with effect from 01 January 2023 as an interim measure in accordance with the amendments to the Public Policy Guidelines, currently in force, regarding the Power Industry,” he said.

If the PUCSL has any amendments, the CEB is to take steps to implement those amendments and make the necessary adjustments to future monthly electricity bills.