The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a request to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) seeking approval for an increase in electricity tariffs to offset the expenses incurred in power generation. This request is currently under consideration by the PUCSL, as confirmed by its Chairman, Professor Manjula Fernando.
Dr. Narendra Silva, General Manager of the CEB, explained that the additional costs arose due to a shortfall in hydropower production this year. Although the expected hydropower capacity was set at 4,500 gigawatt hours, only 3,750 gigawatt hours were generated. To compensate for the shortfall, 750 gigawatt hours had to be sourced from thermal power plants, resulting in additional expenses.
The request for a tariff increase was made on Wednesday, September 29, to address the financial implications of power generation under these circumstances. The CEB will provide all relevant data to the PUCSL for review and consideration on Monday, October 2.
