The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has called for public consultation on a proposed electricity tariff revision following a revised cost estimate submitted by the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd for the second and third quarters of 2026.
Written submissions and proposals close on May 6, 2026, with an oral consultation session held the same day at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The Commission said the final tariff decision will be announced on May 9, 2026.
The NSO’s revised estimate, presented to PUCSL on April 27, reflects higher generation costs from rising global fuel prices and projects a deficit of Rs. 38 billion. The Treasury has committed Rs. 15 billion in subsidies to insulate most consumers from any increase. As a result, the consultation paper says 95% of household and religious-place consumers will not face higher tariffs.
Government institutions and public works, tourist hotels consuming under 180 units a month, and the first industrial sub-category are also exempt from increases. Crucially, additional costs linked to coal supply problems will not be passed on to consumers — a continuation of the position PUCSL set out earlier this month when it ruled coal procurement irregularities should not be socialised onto bills.
The April 27 NSO submission is a reworked version of the earlier 15% hike request that drew sharp opposition criticism. PUCSL’s response — opening formal consultation rather than rejecting outright — follows established procedure under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act for tariff revisions.
Submissions can be made by post, email, WhatsApp or fax. Prior registration is required for those wishing to make oral presentations at BMICH on May 6. The May 9 decision will set retail electricity tariffs for the rest of Q2 and Q3 of 2026.
Ada Derana confirmed on Wednesday morning that the oral consultation was underway as scheduled, with submissions accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at BMICH under the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission Act No. 35 of 2002 and the amended Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024.
