CEB tariff hike PUCSL says proposal based on inaccurate presentation data

• The PUCSL urged the Cabinet not to take any decisions regarding the electricity tariff revision based on false information
• There is no need for a revision at this moment since the CEB is making reasonable profits

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The proposed electricity tariff revision was made based on information collected from a presentation done by the new CEB General Manager, another senior engineer, and the Ministry Secretary based on inaccurate information, Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said.   

Addressing the media, he said the decision over the electricity tariff revision was to be taken last week, but fortunately, it was not taken up at the Cabinet meeting and hence delayed till next Monday.   

He said the PUCSL urged the Cabinet not to take any decisions regarding the electricity tariff revision based on false information.   
“The data that was given to the Cabinet was not based on accurate information, data, or proper procedures,” he said.   

According to the information received by the PUCSL, the proposal was made based on information collected based on a presentation done by the new CEB General Manager, a Senior Engineer, and the Ministry Secretary.   

“Later, the proposal was submitted for Cabinet Approval,” he said.   
Fortunately, the Cabinet has not taken this proposal for discussion. If it had been taken up at the Cabinet meeting, a decision would have been reached based on these facts and figures, he said.   

“The PUCSL approved a tariff increase four months ago after seeing that the CEB is making operational profits and taking into account the raw materials used to generate electricity,” he said.   

“There is no need for a revision at this moment since the CEB is making reasonable profits. The PUCSL feels that enhanced cash flows from Rs. 19 billion to Rs. 35 billion are not being managed properly.   

“Therefore, before, restructuring the CEB, they need to make sure that the Rs. 35 billion that they earn every month from the consumers is managed properly.   
“The CEB is attempting to lower tariff rates for low-income electricity customers who use less than 30 units, 60 units, or 90 units per month.   

“The CEB is trying to increase the rates in the above categories up to 1,100 per cent,” he said.   

“Even if the decision is taken by the Cabinet, the PUCSL will not approve it, as we have the authority vested according to the provisions,” he said.   
Therefore, the PUCSL Chairman requested the people not to panic over the tariff hike, and that the PUCSL would not approve any tariff hike now.