30% reduction for industries and hotels

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a reduction in electricity tariffs by an average of 20%, effective from midnight (17 Jan.). The revision, which will apply for the first six months of the year, was confirmed by the PUCSL’s Director of Communications, Jayanath Herath. Herath said the decision had been made after 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.

That process was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009 and the guidelines of the PUCSL. For domestic consumers, the tariff reductions vary depending on consumption. Consumers using fewer than 30 units will benefit from a 29% decrease, while those consuming between 31 and 60 units will have a 28% tariff reduction. Households using 61 to 90 units will receive a 19% reduction, with a slightly lower reduction of 18% for those using 91 to 180 units.

For domestic usage exceeding 180 units, tariffs will be reduced by 19%. The changes extend to other sectors as well. The public sector will benefit from an 11% reduction, while the hotel sector will enjoy a 31% decrease. Industrial consumers will see a 30% reduction, and religious institutions will benefit from a 21% cut in tariffs. Street lighting tariffs will also be reduced by 11%. Herath noted that these reductions are expected to provide significant relief to consumers across all sectors during the initial half of the year.