Sri Lanka raises electricity tariffs, issues strict energy conserving guidelines

Colombo: Sri Lanka has decided to increase electricity prices with effect from April 1, the power authorities said.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman KPL Chandralal said on Monday that the state power entity the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had asked for over 13.5 per cent hike across different usage blocks based on the units consumed.

"However, considering problems faced by all sectors households and industries would be subject to only 8.5 per cent increase," Chandralal said.

The tariff revision proposal submitted by CEB was analysed by the PUCSL and after public consultations, the commission decided to increase the tariffs, he said.

The tariff hike means that those consuming over 180 units would see a 25 per cent increase.

If the fuel prices rises significantly, and CEB costs increase by over 15 per cent, the utility can make a new submission, he said. “In that event, we are prepared to consider such a proposal.” Issuing guidelines to conserve energy in the state sector, the Commissioner General of Essential Services said that by 3 pm all air conditioners must be switched off at all state institutions.

All advertising hoardings illuminated must be switched off by 8 pm. All local councils must take action to switch off street lights between 6-10 pm and the national grid supply must not be used to power functions participated by more than 100 people.

Earlier this month, fuel rationing system based on a QR code was introduced after weeks of long queues at petrol retailers.

The government said it was working with Russia to obtain crude in view of the current supply chain difficulties due to the war in the West Asia.

The Tourism Authority announced on Monday that tourist arrivals had dropped by over 18 per cent by 25 March year on year, a direct fall out from the Middle East war.