LNP – PUCSL holds no right or authority on electricity tariff hike decision-making: Ananda Palitha

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) also has no right or authority over the decision-making process for the electricity tariff hike, Samagi United Trade Union Force (SUTUF) convener and media spokesman Ananda Palitha said.

He told the Daily Mirror that the increase in the electricity bill is primarily based on the increase in the cost of producing electricity from fuel.

The clause regarding providing fuel for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is included in the PUCSL Act but not authorized.

According to PUCSL Act No. 35 of 2002, the regulation of fuel, electricity and water has been submitted to the Commission. In 2009, the Power and Energy Minister delegated its power regarding electricity to the PUCSL through a cabinet paper. Later, the legal authority for the revision of the electricity tariff came under the PUCSL.

Meanwhile, it was stated that there is no authority for cabinet members to take decisions over the electric utility tariff increase.

The Power and Energy Minister and the Tender Committee should be responsible for making payments for the ships that bring coal no sooner they arrive, Palitha said