• Says amendment will discourage power generation at a low cost
• ECA claims Bill goes against NPP party policy framework

The Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) claimed that the proposed Bill to amend the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024 curtails the rights of electricity consumers and landowners, and also discourages electricity generation at the lowest possible cost.

The relevant Bill was gazetted on 16 May and subsequently tabled in the Parliament.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, ECA General Secretary, Sanjeewa Dhammika alleged that the Bill goes against promises made in National People's Power (NPP) party's policy documents such as 'Rata Anurata' and the NPP Energy Policy Framework.

"One of the main concerns is the removal of the chapter on consumer rights and accountability. This chapter previously protected electricity users by outlining their entitlements and the Ceylon Electricity Board's (CEB) accountability. Its removal weakens protection for consumers. We as consumers will have to tolerate whatever adverse decisions that the CEB will make." he said.

Another concern he raised is the removal of the Divisional Secretary's authority to make fair decisions on whether electricity cables can pass through private land. "That power had ensured investigations and fairness in allowing or not allowing electricity cables to be placed through private land. With this change, the CEB can acquire land directly. Landowners will be subject to serious injustice due to this," Dhammika pointed out.

He further said that if and when the proposed Bill is passed in the Parliament, electricity tariffs would have to be decided in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. "Currently, it is the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) that is making decisions when it comes to electricity tariff revisions. What is the point of having an independent commission if it has to be done in consultation with the Finance Ministry?" he added.

"The Bill also transfers powers related to renewable energy pricing and regulation from the Commission to the Energy Ministry. This shift could damage transparency and weaken oversight of renewable energy projects. In addition, earlier legislation and frameworks focused on generating electricity at the lowest cost. The new Bill uses the term “economically safe,” which we believe is vague and could justify more expensive and less sustainable options."

When asked about the impact the proposed Bill would have on the PUCSL, its Director of Communications, Jayanat Herat, said that he would respond to The Daily Morning at a later time.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was not available for comment.