The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has confirmed that electricity tariffs will not be reduced again this year due to delays in the submission of a revised tariff proposal by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The PUCSL explained that the CEB had been instructed to submit a new tariff proposal after its initial plan was deemed inadequate. According to the PUCSL, the proposed reductions in the initial plan were insufficient, and current conditions would allow for more significant tariff reductions.
To address these concerns, the CEB was given two weeks from November 8 to prepare a revised plan. However, despite the deadline, the CEB failed to meet the timeline, officially requesting an additional two weeks to finalize the proposal. The revised submission, originally scheduled for November 22, has now been delayed further, making it unlikely for any tariff revision to occur this year.
The delay has sparked concerns among electricity consumers who were hoping for relief through reduced tariffs. The PUCSL emphasized that the revision process is crucial to ensure fairness and sustainability in electricity pricing but acknowledged that the extended timelines have disrupted the implementation of reductions this year.
The CEB’s inability to meet deadlines has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the efficiency of its operations and its commitment to easing the financial burden on consumers. The PUCSL, however, reiterated that it remains focused on pushing for a meaningful reduction in electricity tariffs, provided the CEB submits a comprehensive and viable proposal.
Until then, consumers will have to wait for any potential relief, as no tariff adjustments will be made before the end of the year.
