People’s views sought before electricity tariff revision

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) said consumers would be invited to give their views on the request made by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for a revision of electricity tariffs. The PUC said a price revision would only be approved after considering feedback received by consumers.

PUC Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe said the CEB submit-

Written submissions can be sent in till April 28

ted a request for a price revision on Friday. Electricity users could access it online on www.pucsl.gov.lk/ or check out the notice on the print media.

"We will accept oral submissions on April 4 and written submissions till April 28," he added.

Electricity tariffs are being revised as a means of cushioning the losses incurred by the CEB.

According to Central Bank statistics, the state-owned CEB incurred a loss of Rs.25.5 billion in 2011 and the estimated loss for last year had increased to Rs.50 billion during last year.

Although various media reports claimed that electricity tariffs would be increased by about 50 per cent, Mr. Kumarasinghe said he could not comment on the exact rates because the percentages differ depending on the different slabs.

He said in addition to the views obtained from the people, the Government would also be consulted before any price increase was approved.

"A price revision can be expected," Mr. Kumarasinghe said and added that it would take close to another month for the entire procedure to be concluded and the decision implemented.

According to Central Bank statistics, the state-owned CEB incurred a loss of Rs.25.5 billion in 2011 and the estimated loss for last year had increased to Rs.50 billion during last year