Several parties have voiced opposition to the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal to increase electricity tariffs by 13.56% for the second quarter of 2026.

Trade union representatives allege that the government is attempting to recover losses linked to the coal procurement controversy through higher electricity charges.

Members of the public have also expressed concern over a further tariff hike amid rising prices of essential goods.

Under the quarterly tariff revision mechanism, the CEB had earlier proposed an 11.57% increase for the first quarter of 2026.

The proposal was not approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), which stated that a proper revision proposal had not been submitted within the stipulated timeframe.

The Commission subsequently instructed the CEB to submit its proposal for the second quarter before February 13.

Accordingly, the CEB has now requested a 13.56% increase for the period from April 1 to June 30, 2026.

In its submission, the CEB estimates total net electricity generation for the April–June period at 4,578 GWh. Of this, 1,218 GWh is expected from hydro power, 1,957 GWh from thermal sources, and 1,402 GWh from other renewable energy.

Hydro inflow is projected at 1,193 GWh.

Electricity sales for the second quarter are forecast at 4,230.3 GWh, including 3,774.7 GWh in direct CEB sales and 455.6 GWh sold to LECO at the 33 kV boundary.

The CEB states that it anticipates a deficit of Rs. 15,847 million for the April–June period, necessitating the proposed tariff increase to ensure financial and operational stability and maintain reliable electricity supply.

The PUCSL has announced that it will call for public views on the proposal before making a final decision on the tariff revision.