Newly-appointed Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya has ruled out any immediate changes to the existing electricity tariff structure despite ongoing criticism of high prices.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Dr. Siyambalapitiya emphasised that the current system, governed by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), would continue as scheduled.
“There is an approved tariff methodology in place and that will remain,” he said.
“The CEB is required to submit next year’s costs for evaluation by the PUCSL, which will determine any adjustments. There is no deviation from this process.”
He emphasised that any tariff changes – whether an increase, decrease, or no change – would depend on the PUCSL’s standard procedures.
Under the current methodology, tariffs are generally reviewed every six months, on 1 January and 1 July. However, recent cycles have seen adjustments thrice a year.
While the CEB is still in discussions about the timing of the next submission, Dr. Siyambalapitiya assured that it would not be later than January.
However, he noted that it was too early to predict whether the adjustments would result in a rise or fall in prices.
“With more variables absorbed into the grid, sometimes there is a benefit, but sometimes it adds costs. The demand from customers remains stagnant, which complicates matters further,” he said. “We cannot promise any price reduction to customers at this point.”
In July, the PUCSL introduced a major tariff cut of 22.5%, offering significant relief to consumers ahead of the upcoming elections.
Domestic electricity bills were reduced by an average of 27% and some categories saw a 55% drop in unit costs.
The price for domestic users consuming less than 30 units per month was reduced from Rs. 8 to Rs. 6 per unit, bringing down a typical bill from Rs. 390 to Rs. 280.
Industries, hotels, micro-enterprises, and SMEs also benefited, with tariff cuts of up to 25%, while religious places and charities received a 30% reduction.
PUCSL Chairman Prof. M.A.R.M. Fernando noted that the commission had prioritised the hospitality sector, ensuring hotels received tariff relief during challenging economic conditions.
- https://www.themorning.lk/articles/JRmXKBI6urkbD3csqXYA
