PUCSL Halts Consideration of Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike

The National System Operator (Private) Company recently submitted a revised electricity cost estimate to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), proposing a 15% tariff increase for the second quarter of 2024 (April-June). However, the PUCSL has currently halted consideration of this proposal, citing concerns over the 10% tariff hike already implemented on April 1st. The company's proposal, which aimed to generate an additional 3,100 million rupees, was reportedly driven by increased electricity generation costs due to rising fuel prices and reduced hydropower output from low rainfall. PUCSL officials indicated that proceeding with another increase so soon after the last one presents a significant challenge.