Sri Lanka Implements 20% Electricity Tariff Cut
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Synopsis
The Sri Lankan government has agreed to a 20% reduction in electricity tariffs following a recommendation from the Public Utilities Commission. This change, effective from midnight Friday, aims to alleviate financial burdens for consumers, particularly benefiting the hotel and industrial sectors.
Key Takeaways
- 20% average reduction in electricity tariffs announced.
- Effective from midnight on Friday for six months.
- Residential users will see varying reductions based on consumption.
- Significant relief expected for hotel and industrial sectors.
- Public sector tariffs reduced by 11%.
Colombo, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Sri Lankan government has approved a 20 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs on the recommendation of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), as announced by Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody to local media on Saturday.
This substantial decrease in electricity costs is anticipated to provide significant relief to the populace, particularly benefiting those in the hotel industry and various industrial sectors.
According to PUCSL's announcement on Friday, this tariff revision will be in effect for the initial six months of the year.
PUCSL's Director of Communications Jayanath Herath explained that the decision followed an extensive examination of proposals and cost information presented by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), in addition to the PUCSL's counter-proposals and public feedback.
For residential consumers, the tariff reductions will differ based on usage levels. Users consuming under 30 units will experience a 29-per cent decrease, while those using between 31 and 60 units will enjoy a 28-per cent reduction.
Households using between 61 and 90 units will benefit from a 19-per cent reduction, and those consuming 91 to 180 units will see an 18-per cent reduction. For domestic usage exceeding 180 units, tariffs will also be lowered by 19 per cent.
The adjustments will extend to other sectors as well. The public sector is set to enjoy an 11-per cent reduction, while the hotel industry will benefit from a significant 31-per cent cut. Industrial users will see a 30-per cent reduction, and religious organizations will benefit from a 21-per cent decrease in tariffs. Street lighting tariffs will also be lowered by 11 per cent, according to Xinhua news agency.
Herath emphasized that these adjustments are anticipated to offer substantial assistance to consumers in all sectors during the first half of the year.
In response, the CEB has indicated they will carry out the PUCSL's recommendations pending government approval.
