October 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s energy regulator is preparing to issue a final decision on a proposed electricity tariff increase submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), with the decision expected by mid-October.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) confirmed that it is in the final stages of evaluating the CEB’s request for a 6.8 per cent rise in electricity rates, a proposal formally lodged with the Commission on September 10, 2025.
As part of its statutory obligations, the PUCSL launched a series of public consultations across the country to gather citizen feedback on the proposed revision. The process began in the Eastern Province on September 18 and has since covered eight provinces, drawing responses from over 500 participants representing households, businesses, and civil society organisations.
According to PUCSL Director of Communications, Jayanath Herath, the final consultation session is scheduled to take place on 8 October in the Western Province, after which the Commission will consolidate the public’s views alongside financial and technical assessments.
The regulatory review process includes a thorough analysis of CEB’s projected power generation costs, fuel procurement expenses, operational and maintenance overheads, and tariff-derived income streams used to service outstanding debts.
Herath noted that public engagement has played a pivotal role in shaping the Commission’s deliberations, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about the rising cost of living and the burden of utility bills on both domestic consumers and small businesses.
The PUCSL’s forthcoming decision is expected to weigh the CEB’s need for financial sustainability against the broader social and economic impact of higher electricity charges. The ruling, once announced, will determine whether the proposed increase is approved in full, partially implemented, or deferred for further revision.
