Sri Lanka reduces electricity tariffs by 20 per cent

IANS January 18, 2025 235 views

Sri Lanka is making waves with a substantial 20% electricity tariff reduction across multiple sectors. The government, following recommendations from the Public Utilities Commission, will implement varying cuts from 11% to 31% depending on consumer type. Domestic users will see the most significant reductions, with some getting up to 29% off their bills. This move aims to provide financial relief to citizens, industries, and businesses during challenging economic times.

"A significant reduction in electricity bills is a great relief to the people" - Kumara Jayakody, Energy Minister
Colombo, Jan 18: The Sri Lankan government has accepted a recommendation by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to reduce electricity tariffs by an average of 20 per cent, effective at midnight on Friday, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody told local media on Saturday.

Key Points

1

Tariff reductions vary from 11% to 31% based on sector and usage

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Domestic consumers see up to 29% decrease in electricity costs

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Changes will be effective for first six months of the year

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Decision made after thorough review by Public Utilities Commission

He said that a significant reduction in electricity bills is a great relief to the people, especially for those in the hotel sector and industrialists.

On Friday, PUCSL announced that the revision will apply for the first six months of the year.

PUCSL Director of Communications Jayanath Herath said the decision was made following a thorough review of proposals and cost data submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), counter-proposals drafted by the PUCSL, and feedback from the public.

For domestic consumers, the tariff reductions will vary based on usage, he said. Consumers using less than 30 units will see a 29-per cent decrease, while those consuming between 31 and 60 units will benefit from a 28-per cent reduction, Herath said.

Households using 61 to 90 units will receive a 19-per cent reduction, while those consuming 91 to 180 units will see an 18-per cent reduction. For domestic usage exceeding 180 units, tariffs will be reduced by 19 per cent, he said.

The changes also apply to other sectors. The public sector will benefit from an 11-per cent reduction, while the hotel sector will enjoy a 31-per cent decrease. Industrial consumers will see a 30-per cent reduction, and religious institutions will benefit from a 21-per cent cut in tariffs. Street lighting tariffs will also be reduced by 11 per cent, Xinhua news agency.

Herath noted that these reductions are expected to provide significant relief to consumers across all sectors during the first half of the year.

In response, the CEB said they will implement PUCSL recommendations subject to government approval.

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