n a move set to impact millions of households and businesses, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced a 15% increase in electricity tariffs, effective from midnight tonight, covering the second half of 2025.
The decision was confirmed at a special media briefing, where PUCSL spokesperson Jayanath Herath outlined the new structure. While the revision affects most consumer segments, religious institutions consuming less than 90 units per month will be exempt from the rate hike, with no change in their current charges.
Changes in the Domestic Sector
Households using fewer than 30 units per month will see an 8% increase, with the monthly tariff rising from Rs. 75 to Rs. 80. For those in the 30–60 unit bracket, the unit price increases by Rs. 2, bringing it to Rs. 8 per unit. This category will now pay Rs. 210 per month, an increase of Rs. 10.
Consumers in higher usage brackets will face the following total increases:
- 61–90 units: Rs. 240
- 91–120 units: Rs. 360
- 121–150 units: Rs. 600
- 151–180 units: Rs. 840
- Above 180 units: Rs. 2020
Overall, the domestic sector tariff revisions range from Rs. 20 to Rs. 2020, depending on usage.
Industrial and Commercial Sector Adjustments
While monthly fixed charges for religious institutions exceeding 180 units remain unchanged, only the per-unit charge will be adjusted.
For the industrial sector, particularly for those exceeding 300 units, there will be a 4-cent increase in the unit charge and a monthly increase of Rs. 50 compared to last year.
Meanwhile, for large industries, hotels, and public sector works, the fixed charge remains at Rs. 5000, but the monthly demand charge will see an increase of Rs. 100.
Revised unit rates in these segments are:
- Rs. 23 → Rs. 28
- Rs. 13 → Rs. 15
- Rs. 11 → Rs. 12
Herath stated that unit rate increases span from 50 cents to Rs. 9, while monthly charges have gone up between Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 depending on consumption patterns.
Justification and Impact
The tariff revision is part of the government’s efforts to balance the energy sector’s financial sustainability. According to Herath, although the initial proposal aimed to raise Rs. 276 billion, the final approved structure has limited the increase to Rs. 268 billion.
“This revision was necessary to meet the financial targets and operational requirements of the national electricity supply network,” he said.
The new tariffs come amidst broader economic reforms and are expected to play a crucial role in reducing state losses and ensuring uninterrupted power supply across the country.
