Lockdown leads to electricity tariff default of Rs. 44 b

The recent 41-day lockdown has resulted in the consumers defaulting in the payment of electricity tariff amounting to Rs. 44 billion, Power Minister Gamini Lokuge told Parliament yesterday.

He made the disclosure in response to a question raised by SJB MP Mujibur Rahaman.

The Minister said the Government has decided to allow the consumers to settle the dues in 12 monthly instalments. “Those who defaulted on payments can settle their bills in 12 monthly instalments. However, they will have to pay their monthly electricity bill separately while settling the arrears,” said Lokuge.

He added that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) plans on laying underground cables, which are both safer and less expensive. 

“Providing power by erecting poles and connecting them through wires is more costly. Consumers will have to pay only the cost of laying cables when obtaining a power supply,” he added.