The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) urged the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to immediately suspend the recent increase in solar electricity tariffs, calling the move unlawful and detrimental to the country’s renewable energy ambitions.
In a letter addressed to the PUCSL Chairperson, ECA Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika raised concerns over the PUCSL’s silence on the tariff hike, questioning its compliance with provisions in the Electricity Act and its 2013 Amendment. According to the Association, the PUCSL has the legal authority under Sections 43 and 43(6) of the said Act to intervene in tariff decisions and initiate legal action against irregularities. “The tariff increase is an unlawful procedure. You have the legal authority to directly and immediately intervene in this regard,” the letter stated.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (23), Dhammika also criticised the PUCSL’s apparent passivity in advancing the Government’s policy objective of achieving 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, claiming that the plan to add 1,000 megawatts of capacity to the national grid within a year has already failed. He said that the solar industry, which operates at relatively low cost and generates significant employment, could face major setbacks due to the increased tariffs. “The failure to protect the solar industry could result in widespread job losses and severe consequences for existing users,” he cautioned.
The ECA also queried as to why the PUCSL has not shown similar urgency in reviewing diesel and furnace oil-related costs, despite the fact that fuel-based energy production often involves United States dollar-denominated transactions and commission-based interests.
Referring to a previous PUCSL recommendation (PUC/EER/2024/CEB/21 dated 15 July 2024), which suggested that the last tariff reduction should not have been approved, Dhammika sought clarity on whether that request was disregarded or acted upon.
Attempts to contact the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, and the Acting Ceylon Electricity Board Chairperson proved futile.