The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) states that a public consultation on the proposed special electricity tariff revision for 2026 will be held today (06).

According to the PUCSL, oral submissions will be accepted from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo.

The consultation relates to the special tariff revision proposed by the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd for the second and third quarters of 2026, with the PUCSL seeking public input before finalizing its decision.

The PUCSL previously stated that the final decision on the revised electricity tariffs is scheduled to be announced on May 9. (Newswire)

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has called for public consultation on a proposed electricity tariff revision, following a cost estimate submitted by the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd for the second and third quarters of 2026.

The Commission said the revised estimate, presented on April 27, reflects higher generation costs due to rising global fuel prices. 

While the National System Operator projects a deficit of Rs. 38 billion, the Treasury has already committed Rs. 15 billion in subsidies to shield most consumers from tariff increases.

According to the consultation paper, 95% of household and religious consumers will not face higher tariffs, while sub‑categories of government institutions, public works, tourist hotels consuming less than 180 units monthly, and the first industrial sub‑category are also exempt from increases. Additional costs linked to coal supply issues will not be passed on to consumers.

As such, the PUCSL has invited written comments and proposals on the estimate until May 6, 2026. 

An oral consultation session will be held on the same day at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo. 

Submissions can be made via post, email, WhatsApp, or fax, with prior registration required for oral presentations.

The Commission further said all feedback will be considered before announcing the final decision on electricity tariffs on May 9, 2026. (Newswire)

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Proposals to charge consumers for street lamps and attempts to impose a time‑use method where one unit is charged at Rs. 67 are blatantly unfair, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today, criticizing the newly proposed electricity policy of the NPP government.

In a post on ‘X’, Premadasa warned that the policy punishes both consumers and the renewable energy sector, while disproportionately victimizing low‑income earners. 

He cautioned that if people refuse to pay for street lamps, it could have a detrimental impact on maintaining law and order.

“Proposals such as charging solar generators based on daytime unit usage must be subjected to public consultation, stressing that the government should ‘walk the talk’ by reducing electricity prices by 33% as promised, instead of increasing them by 11.57%,” the Opposition Leader further argued. 

Accusing the administration of “lies, falsehoods, and deception,” Premadasa urged maximum support for the renewable energy sector and immediate relief for consumers. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has assured that the government will implement its promise of reducing electricity tariffs.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayakody said that per the government’s policy statement, electricity tariffs will be reduced by 30% within 3 years. 

“Don’t be in a hurry, be patient a little longer. Our policy statement states that we will reduce the electricity bill by 30% within 3 years,” he said. 

Minister Kumara Jayakody made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri in Parliament today. (Newswire)

“Don’t rush, be patient for a little while longer. It is stated in our policy manifesto that it will be reduced by 30% within three years," Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody on electricity tarrifs. pic.twitter.com/U4zaalkg0H

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 6, 2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says while millions of people have been displaced by Cyclone Ditwah, the government is preparing to increase electricity tariffs by 11.57%.

In a special video message, he stated that although the present government came to power promising to build a prosperous country and a better life, instead, it is now laying the foundation for a poorer country and a harsher life by raising electricity bills.

Premadasa pointed out that government members, when in opposition, pledged on every platform to reduce electricity bills by 33%, for example, lowering a Rs. 9,000 bill to Rs. 6,000 and a Rs. 3,000 bill to Rs. 2,000, but after coming to power they have forgotten those promises and are instead planning to raise tariffs by 11.57%, betraying the public mandate they received.

He further said that millions of citizens voted for the current government because of its promise to reduce electricity bills, a pledge even publicly declared by the President. 

“Now, having gained power on the backs of the people, the government is betraying that trust, violating the human and fundamental rights of electricity consumers, and leaving them helpless through broken promises and deception,” the Opposition Leader said. 

Premadasa also criticized the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), saying that although they once claimed they would renegotiate IMF conditions to benefit the people, they too are now implementing IMF agreements unchanged, thereby imposing unlimited hardship and pressure on the public.

He stressed that even in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which left millions in distress, the government is still preparing to raise electricity tariffs without concern, and urged it to abandon this wrong course of action and instead fulfill its promise to reduce bills by 33%.

Sajith Premadasa concluded that the people must rally against a government that violates their mandate in this way, condemning such anti-people actions that heap unbearable pressure on citizens. (Newswire)

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According to documents issued by the PUCSL, the proposal covers electricity charges for the period from January to March 2026 and includes revisions to energy charges and fixed monthly charges across domestic, religious, industrial, commercial and other consumer categories.

Under the proposal, domestic electricity consumers would see increases in both unit rates and fixed charges across all consumption blocks. (Newswire)

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) says the final decision regarding the electricity tariff revision is expected to be announced during the second week of October.

According to the PUCSL, the decision will be announced after reviewing all opinions and proposals submitted during public consultation sessions held in relation to the electricity tariff revision.

Approximately 500 individuals submitted opinions and suggestions during public consultation sessions held on the third electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for this year.

The public consultation process, which began on September 18 and covered all provinces, held its final session focusing on the Western Province yesterday.

In accordance with Section 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, the CEB submitted a tariff review proposal on 27th August 2025, covering the quarter of October–December 2025. 

The CEB has requested a 6.8% tariff increase, citing rising costs in generation, distribution, and finance. (Newswire)

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Public consultations regarding the electricity tariff revision proposal submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) conclude today.

The consultation process, which began on September 18 and covered all provinces, is scheduled to hold its final session today, focusing on the Western Province.

In accordance with Section 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, the Ceylon Electricity Board submitted a tariff review proposal on 27th August 2025, covering the quarter of October–December 2025. 

The PUCSL states that the CEB requested a 6.8% tariff increase, citing rising costs in generation, distribution, and finance. 

The previous tariff review, conducted in June 2025, covered the period from June to December 2025, whereas the current review focuses on the period from October to December 2025. 

It is reported that the PUCSL is expected to announce its final decision, based on all feedback and suggestions, during the second week of this month. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s power sector reform must balance cost-reflective and cost-recovery, renewables, and affordability, Members of Parliament said during a recent discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Capacity Development Mission.

A recent discussion on tariff methodology was held together with policymakers and experts, underscoring that both cost recovery and cost reflectiveness are vital principles for a strong and transparent electricity sector.

It was further pointed out that Sri Lanka’s ongoing electricity sector reforms have highlighted the urgent need to align financial viability, sustainability, and consumer protection.

These views were expressed at a discussion held in line with the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EEF) programme, to review the electricity tariff methodology in consultation with the IMF staff. 

As it had been prescribed as a prior action to be completed by the end of November 2025, a team led by Ms. Delphine Prady (Senior Economist, FAD) held a joint meeting with the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, other Members of Parliament, officials representing the respective ministries, and other stakeholders.

This technical discussion was held last week (12) at the Parliament premises with the participation of the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance Harsha de Silva, Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts Kabir Hashim, Members of Parliament Rauff Hakeem, Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Nimal Palihena, Chithral Fernando, Ajith P. Perera, Thilina Samarakoon, Dilith Jayaweera, and Chandima Hettiarachchi, officials representing the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, Ceylon Electricity Board, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and other respective stakeholders.

During the discussions, it was noted that cost recovery ensures the sector as a whole covers its total expenditure, thereby preventing inefficiencies and attracting the investment and credit needed to modernize. Cost reflectiveness, meanwhile, ensures consumers pay based on the actual cost of serving their demand, reducing unfair cross-subsidies. It was stressed during the discussions that without recovering costs, inefficiencies multiply, and there is no way to attract new investment.

The country’s renewable energy target of 70% by 2030 was a central focus. Experts emphasized that to achieve this, Sri Lanka must establish the right infrastructure, financing, and incentive structures. Expanding solar, hydro, and wind energy, coupled with investments in storage and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, will be essential. While thermal power continues to play a role, it was described as “super expensive” and highly volatile, exposing the sector to global price shocks. Renewables, by contrast, were recognized as increasingly competitive but requiring upfront investment.

It was also cautioned during the discussions that the volatility of generation costs poses risks to both financial stability and consumers. The need for accurate forecasting and careful planning to avoid passing sudden cost spikes onto households and businesses was underlined. It was discussed that tariff methodology must therefore provide not only cost recovery but also predictability, while steering investment towards the least-cost and environmentally friendly generation.

Members of Parliament present highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable households through targeted subsidies, protecting workers affected by restructuring, and ensuring efficiency gains translate into fair outcomes for end-users.

Concerns were also raised over data integrity and transparency, with gaps in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), incomplete cost breakdowns, and weak information systems. During discussions, it was stressed that without stronger governance and regulatory independence, a modern and effective tariff methodology cannot be applied successfully.

During the discussions, it was agreed that tariff reform cannot be treated as a purely technical exercise. It must be grounded in policy objectives that deliver a financially viable power sector, ensure a sustainable shift to 70% renewables by 2030, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen transparency and accountability across the industry. (Newswire)

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the Sri Lankan Government remains committed to its Economic Reforms Programme objectives, bringing it closer to the next tranche of IMF funding.

The IMF’s Communications Department Director, Julie Kozack, said Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda continues to deliver commendable outcomes and that performance remains strong overall.

“On 25 April this year, the IMF and Sri Lanka reached a staff-level agreement on the 4th review of Sri Lanka’s Economic Programme. Completion of the review is pending approval of the IMF’s Executive Board, and it is contingent on completing prior actions,” she said. 

Julie Kozack further said the IMF team is also closely engaged with Sri Lankan authorities to assess measures recently announced by the electricity regulator on 11 June, which include a 15% electricity tariff increase and the publication of guidelines for a revised bulk supply transaction account. 

“Both are prior actions. Once the review is completed by the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will have access to around US$ 344 million in financing. The IMF will announce the board date in due course,” she added. 

The IMF’s Communications Department Director made the remarks while addressing the weekly press briefing held yesterday. (Newswire)

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) says the final decision on the proposed electricity tariff revision will be announced this week.

The electricity regulator, PUCSL, said a final decision will be made after reviewing over 500 written and oral submissions received during the public consultation process held on the proposed tariff revision. 

Quoting the Director of Communications at the PUCSL, Jayanath Herath, The Morning newspaper reported that more than 500 written and oral submissions were received during the consultations.

According to the report, Jayanath Herath said that the process of reviewing them was completed last week. He also stated that relevant recommendations are currently being prepared and that they are scheduled to be submitted to the PUCSL.

As such, Jayanath Herath confirmed that the final decision in this regard is scheduled to be announced this week.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had requested an 18.3% tariff hike for the period from June to December, stating that it was necessary to manage rising operating costs and repay debt, including previous borrowings.

According to the CEB, even with the proposed tariff hike, average rates remain about 5.4% below the level of rates maintained at the beginning of the year. With the 20% reduction in January, the average rate is now Rs. 24 per kilowatt hour.

CEB Spokesperson Engineer Dhammika Wimalaratne recently stated that although fuel prices, spare parts and generation costs increased, tariffs were not adjusted appropriately from 2014 to 2022.

Stating that during that period, the CEB operated by borrowing and postponing payments, he said that this situation has led to the financial crisis that it is currently facing. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Harsha de Silva says the electricity tariff hike for June to December need not be 18%.

In a statement on ‘X’, MP de Silva pointed out that the electricity tariff can be maintained at 9%.

He further said that the National People’s Power (NPP) Government and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake need to hold a discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in this regard. 

MP de Silva added that the government should stick to the agreed formula in the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme based on the Sri Lanka Electricity Act 2009 and the Ceylon Elctricity Board (CEB) Act 1969.

The comments come as the CEB has proposed an 18.3% increase in electricity tariffs for the period from June to December 2025, citing significant financial losses.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is currently reviewing this proposal and plans to announce its decision in the first week of June, following public consultations. 

Previously, IMF Sri lanka Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou had also announced that Sri Lanka should restore cost-recovery electricity pricing as soon as possible to minimise fiscal risk and is essential to complete the fourth review of the IMF’s External Fund Facility (EFF) programme. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody says the government hopes to keep electricity tariffs unchanged.

Speaking in Parliament today, Minister Jayakody said the government’s primary objective is to try and provide electricity at the least cost to houses and industries

He further said that a price revision will only be made, taking into account several factors, including forecasts and debt repayments.

“Reducing electricity charges is how we can offer services for a lesser price. Therefore, we are working to reduce the price or to maintain it without increasing it. Prices have not been increased, just because it has been said by the IMF. We have not taken any such decision,” he said. 

Stating that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has not handed over its price calculation as yet, he said once completed, it should be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) by the end of this month or the beginning of next, after which a decision on tariffs would be taken. 

“The government or the CEB has not taken any decision in this regard as yet. We have to consider the profit over the last five months and the forecast for the next six months, which is considered a wet season. The government hopes that the wet season is a positive sign and will prevent us from going for a price increase. We also have to look at debt repayment, a part of which has to be included in the electricity bill. All of this will be properly addressed and announced by the beginning of next month,” he added. 

The Energy Minister said that even by accident, the government will not take a negative side, as the government does not want to increase tariffs and wants to stabilise the situation.

Minister Kumara Jayakody made the remarks while responding to questions raised in Parliament today on the possible increase in electricity tariffs due to a condition laid out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

The matter was raised, after IMF Sri lanka Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou had recently announced that Sri Lanka should restore cost-recovery electricity pricing as soon as possible to minimise fiscal risk and was essential to complete the fourth review of the IMF’s External Fund Facility (EFF) programme. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the government’s move to increase electricity tariffs despite its previous promise to reduce them by one-third.  

He pointed out that the government, during the election period, assured a reduction in electricity bills – for instance, lowering a Rs. 9,000 bill to Rs. 6,000 and a Rs. 3,000 bill to Rs. 2,000. 

However, despite public pressure leading to a general 20% reduction, the Minister of Power has now indicated that electricity prices may rise again soon.  

MP Premadasa questioned how the government could justify an increase when it had earlier claimed that a revised electricity pricing formula would be more people-friendly.  

Speaking in Parliament today, he urged the government to reconsider the decision, highlighting the potential negative impact on new investments as well as ordinary citizens.

His remarks come after Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody had said there was a possibility for electricity tariffs to increase in the future. 

Addressing the media, Minister Kumara Jayakody said the prevalent drought conditions will affect electricity generation costs, which could lead to a tariff increase. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody says there is a possibility for electricity tariffs to increase in the future. 

Addressing the media, Minister Kumara Jayakody said drought conditions will affect electricity generation costs, which could lead to a tariff increase. 

Clarifying comments on CEB recording profits, he said that the CEB has no profits, but only has costs. 

“CEB’s costs are not calculated as profits and loss. There are claims that CEB has recorded a profit of Rs. 140 billion. This is a continuous lie,” he said. 

Minister Kumara Jayakody said CEB does not record profits, but only records balances which is used for electricity generation.

“Following a tariff change for 06 months, whatever balance sum remains, the CEB absorbs it for the next 06 months. The CEB’s forecast is based on this absorption system,” he explained. 

The minister said this balance sum is spent as electricity generation cost, adding that as such, there is no profit. 

“From the Rs. 140 billion recorded last year, only Rs. 46 billion was calculated as the balance. Absorbing this balance sum for the implemented six-month tariff reduction, the CEB will face a cost of Rs. 42 billion during this period,” he said. 

The Energy Minister warned that electricity generation costs could increase depending on the prevalent drought conditions. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has refuted media reports claiming that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is debt-free at present.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayakody said that the CEB has a debt of Rs. 323 Billion and that the government has not taken over any of its debts as of now.

“There are rumours going around, especially via media. The PUCSL has also made a comment in this regard. However, the CEB is still paying its debts and the Treasury/government has not taken over any of the debts,” he said. 

Minister Kumara Jayakody made the remarks in response to MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s question on the CEB having reported a profit of Rs. 167 billion and being debt-free. 

Furthermore, inquiring about the government’s pledges to reduce electricity tariffs soon, MP Jayasekera questioned why the government has said it cannot do so even by June this year. 

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that steps will be taken to reduce the electricity tariff by more than 30% in the near future, says a news report. Does near future mean three years? Why are you’ll lying?” the MP questioned.

Responding, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody said the government never mentioned a short period and that the plan was for a period within the next three years. (Newswire)

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that steps will be taken to reduce the electricity tariff by more than 30% in the near future, says a news report. Does near future mean three years? Why are you’ll lying?” questioned MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, inquiring about the… pic.twitter.com/1updMGoBlf

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 9, 2025

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that the final decision on electricity tariff revision will be made on 17 January 2025. 

Issuing a statement, the PUCSL said public consultations on the proposed Electricity Tariff Revision will get underway on 17 December 2024.

The PUCSL further said that written submissions can be made until 08 January 2025. (Newswire)

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to seek public opinion regarding a proposal by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to maintain current electricity tariffs for the first six months of next year. 

PUCSL Chairman Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal said that public consultations will begin in two weeks. The Commission has also initiated a special study on the CEB’s proposal.

A decision on electricity tariffs will be made after completing the study and gathering public feedback. The CEB submitted its recommendation to the PUCSL on Friday, December 6. (Newswire)

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to conduct stakeholder consultations to seek public opinion regarding the revision of the 02nd electricity tariff for the year 2024 proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Written comments and suggestions from the public and other stakeholders regarding the proposed electricity tariff revision will be accepted till July 08th, 2024. 

The oral session of the public consultation will be held on July 09th, 2024 in Colombo.

After completion of the public consultation, the Commission will announce the final tariff decision on July 15th, 2024.

For more details :  https://www.pucsl.gov.lk/notices/stakeholder-consultation-02nd-electricity-tariff-revision-2024/ (Newswire)

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The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis says existing electricity prices can be reduced by about 33%.

The Parliamentary committee further said that the price of electricity should be reduced by at least 20% in the year 2024 so that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will not suffer any loss.

According to a Parliament statement, the Sectoral Oversight Committee issued the recommendations to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), following an analytical review of the figures presented by the CEB, PUCSL, etc. and taking into consideration all other factors affecting the price of electricity, including considering the opinion given by experts.

Accordingly, the officials of the Public Utilities Commission informed the Committee that by the end of this month, they can submit the necessary recommendations to reduce the electricity bill.

This matter was discussed when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis met in Parliament recently (Feb 22) under the chairmanship of MP Gamini Waleboda.

Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Public Utilities Commission, Industry Development Board, Enterprise Development Authority, Department of Population and Statistics, Department of Inland Revenue and officials of the government institutions, including Micro, Small and Medium Scale Industries Board and a group of industrialists had also been called before the Committee.

The Committee gave several directives to the relevant institutions and officials to identify the micro, small and medium-scale industries that are directly affected by the economic crisis and to activate the local economy and increase the foreign exchange earnings by reviving the industry sector. 

Accordingly, the Committee pointed out that due to the increase in electricity bills, the number of electricity connection cuts reported across the island has exceeded one million. It was also emphasized that to alleviate the pressure on the industry and society, it should be arranged to provide electricity connections again by charging only 50% of the outstanding charges at the initial stage with the concessional basis of payment of outstanding electricity charges on installment basis.

Moreover, the Committee was of the view to allow the customer to pay the connection fee in installments to avoid discouraging new entrepreneurs from starting micro, small and financial industries due to high charges for getting fixed electricity connection and instructed to review the new connection fee and work to reduce it as much as possible.

Furthermore, the Committee Chair instructed the Public Utilities Commission to conduct an audit on the electricity consumption in the public sector as an approach to ensure energy security.

The Committee recommended to the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank to start a loan scheme at subsidized interest for the purchase of solar panel systems to promote solar energy as a source of energy supply to industries. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance expressed its agreement to provide refinancing facilities subject to a maximum as per the proposal made by the Committee to implement a loan scheme targeting micro, small and medium-scale industrialists under subsidized interest rates.

To ensure the supply of raw materials required for the smooth running of micro, small and medium-scale industries, the Committee also recommended identifying the raw materials that must be imported from abroad and imposing tax concessions on such raw materials. Furthermore, it was instructed that Copper, lead, aluminium and other industrial scraps used as raw materials in various domestic industries currently being sold by the Electricity Board to external buyers and other entities, also be issued to micro, small and medium-scale industrialists recommended by the Ministry of Industry and the Industrial Development Board.

It was observed at the Committee meeting discussion that the definition used by the Department of Population and Statistics for micro, small and medium industries and the definition used by other institutions such as the Industrial Development Board and the Central Bank for those industries are different from each other, which is an obstacle in making policy decisions. Accordingly, the Committee ordered the Department of Population and Statistics to immediately provide its support to the policymakers by releasing statistical data based on a common definition.

The Committee also recommended that the Credit Information Bureau should take prompt action to remove their credit information from the blacklists to facilitate access to credit facilities for micro, small and medium-scale industries facing financial crises to activate their balance sheets and to review all existing laws and procedures for registration of micro, small and medium scale industries as well as to obtain licenses and introduce a simple system.

Accordingly, the Committee informed all the parties to establish a steering Committee headed by the Ministry of Industry to implement the recommendations given by the Committee and to report its progress within a week. (NewsWire)

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