Cabinet to finalise concessions on electricity next week

• Anticipates 25% reduction on bills for first 90 units between March and May
• 3-month grace period also being considered
• Power and Energy Minister to discuss with Treasury officials to finalise concessions

Cabinet will finalise proposals to grant several concessions to electricity users next week, including a 25% reduction on bills up to 90 units between March and May this year, as well as a three-month grace

Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardana  - Pic by Ruwan Walpola

period to pay.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said electricity supplies would also not be disconnected due to non-payment for bills during the grace period.

Cabinet had discussed ways of providing relief for households on electricity bills from March to May as incomes of those employed in various sectors had collapsed since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Considering this situation, Minister of Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera had appointed a committee to submit recommendations including concessions on electricity bills. 

The Committee’s report was presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday by the Minister.

Cabinet had requested Amaraweera to discuss the recommendations with Treasury officials and to submit his proposals at the next meeting on the concessions that can be given to the public for approval.