The members of the Public Utilities Commission  of Sri Lanka yesterday it their meeting infamously decided to reject President Ranil Wickremesinghe-led Cabinet decision on interim electricity hike with retrospective effect from 1 January. 

The Cabinet strengthened by a proposal of the Ceylon Electivity Board earlier this year agreed to implement 75% increase in electricity tariff hike on top of a similar increase in August 2022. 

However, the PUCSL Commissioners decided that as per its Act the increase wasn’t valid as there was no provision for interim hike or with retrospective effect.  

Despite this ruling, PUCSL is proceeding with the Cabinet decision of requiring public and CEAO consultation on proposed hike and will comply with the requirement of completing the process by 15 February.

Kanchana updates on power and energy sector woes