Electricity tariffs to be increased from tomorrow

Electricity bills are to be increased with effect from tomorrow  (August 10) with an average rise by 75 per cent,  Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL)  Janaka Rathnayaka announced today.

Addressing a news conference he explained that the average unit cost of production is Rs 32, and with the increase the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is expected to cover a loss of Rs 500 million through the increase.

Mr Rathnayake provided a breakdown of the per centage of increase according to number of units used and the average bill to be expected.

According to the recommended increase a person using upto 30 units the bill will increase up to Rs 198 while those using between 31- 60 units the bill will go up to Rs 599.  Those using   61-90 the bill will go up to Rs 1,461,  and  90-120 units Rs 2,976. Those using  121- 180 units the bill will go upto Rs 5,005.

He said although the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had sought an increase of 276% for the consumers who use more than 90 units, the PUCSL turned down the increase and revised it to 125 per cent.

PUCSL CHAIRMAN JANKA RATHNAYAKA