Electricity tariff slashed by 22.5%

Colombo, July 15 (Daily Mirror) - The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced today a 25 per cent electricity tariff reduction for domestic consumers, effective from tomorrow, along with an overall tariff revision of 22.5 per cent.

PUCSL Chairman Prof. Manjula Fernando informed the media that the final decision on the second electricity tariff revision was announced after reviewing the proposal submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and considering the suggestions and opinions presented during the public consultation.

The cost of reducing the price of one unit of electricity will be Rs. 30.

Annual electricity consumption by consumers is approximately 16,500 GWh, including 4,500 GWh from hydroelectricity, 3,500 GWh from renewable energy, 5,500 GWh from coal power plants, and 3,000 GWh from thermal power.

The electricity tariff for the domestic consumer category between 0 and 30 units (low-income families) will be reduced by Rs. 2, which is 25 per cent off the previous rate of Rs. 8, as requested by the CEB. The current unit price is now Rs. 6. Additionally, the fixed charge for this category has been reduced from Rs. 150 to Rs. 100.

For the domestic consumer category between 31 and 60 units, the unit price has been reduced by Rs. 11, bringing it down from Rs. 20 to Rs. 9, which is a 55 per cent reduction. The fixed charge for this category has been reduced from Rs. 300 to Rs. 250.

The electricity unit charges for religious and charitable places have been reduced to Rs. 6 for consumption between 0 and 90 units. Overall, the tariff revision for religious and charitable places represents a reduction of more than 30 per cent.

The PUCSL Chairman said that one of the main concerns raised by stakeholders was about reducing tariffs for minor industries and hotels.

Therefore, the PUCSL had approved a 33% reduction for hotels and minor industries during the daytime, applicable to both low voltage and 33kV systems," he added.

In the revision of the new rates, government institutions and general purpose departments have been reduced to Rs. 46.75, Rs. 38.25 and Rs. 31.45.

Meanwhile, seven conditions have been set, including the requirement to issue printed electricity bills upon request by consumers. Additionally, conditions have been imposed to enter into agreements with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for purchasing fuel for electricity generation.