PUCSL to decide on electricity tariff hike within March after consultations conclude

Thursday, 19 March 2026 04:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Public consultation process ends with final session at BMICH yesterday
CEB seeks 13.56% tariff increase for April–June 2026; Rs. 15.8 b revenue gap cited in submission
Regulator flags cost assumptions, fuel delays and extraordinary expenses

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said a decision on the proposed electricity tariff revision will be announced within the month, following the conclusion of public consultations held across the country, with the final session taking place in the Western Province at the BMICH yesterday.

The review relates to a proposal submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to increase tariffs by 13.56% for the April to June 2026 period, citing a projected revenue shortfall of Rs. 15.8 billion.

According to the proposal, total electricity supply costs are estimated at Rs. 136.5 billion against expected revenue of Rs. 116.9 billion. The CEB has proposed that the increase be applied across all consumer categories.

PUCSL said it has identified several concerns in its evaluation of the submission, including higher capacity charges, delays in securing fuel supply agreements, and the inclusion of what it described as extraordinary expenses within transmission and distribution cost components.

The Commission said it has sought further clarifications from the CEB on these matters and invited views from stakeholders as part of the consultation process prior to arriving at a final determination.