Electricity tariff revision unlikely this year: PUCSL

November 24, 2024 at 10:10 PM

According to reports, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has informed that a revision of electricity tariffs is unlikely to occur this year due to repeated delays by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) in submitting a revised tariff proposal.

Initially, the PUCSL found the reduction percentages in the CEB’s initial tariff revision plan to be insufficient and suggested that greater reductions could be implemented under current conditions. The Commission then granted the CEB two weeks from November 8 to prepare a new proposal.

However, the revised proposal, originally due on November 22, was not submitted, and the CEB has since requested an additional two weeks to complete it. In light of these delays, the PUCSL states that tariff revisions will likely be postponed until next year.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Workers’ Union has requested the CEB Chairman to distribute employee bonuses before December 10, citing the Board’s recent return to profitability. According to the union’s General Secretary, Ranjan Jayalal, a formal letter has been sent to the Chairman highlighting the need to share these profits with employees.

The union further pointed out that bonuses had not been provided for approximately two years, as the Board previously claimed financial losses. With the CEB now in a profitable position, the union insists that its workforce deserves a share of these benefits. (NewsWire)