Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has approached the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for an upward revision in electricity rates, according to reports.
This proposed increase stems from the financial strain the board faced due to the dominance of thermal power generation, which became necessary because of the dry spells affecting the country.
Eng. Dr. Narendra De Silva, CEB’s General Manager, highlighted that while the tariff revision was initially slated for January, the board is now keen on having it implemented by October.
A shortfall in hydro-power generation is at the heart of this move, and the CEB had projected 4,500 GWh of hydropower for the year, but only 3,750 GWh was realised, Dr. De Silva pointed out.
This gap forced the CEB to rely on an additional 750 GWh of electricity from thermal sources, incurring more costs.
Manjula Fernando, the chairman of PUCSL, confirmed receiving the CEB’s request on Wednesday (Sept. 28) and emphasised that the commission would thoroughly review the proposal.
