The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has indicated that any increase in electricity tariffs may necessitate a corresponding adjustment in water tariffs. A senior spokesperson from the board stated that preliminary discussions on the matter have already begun.
Should such a revision be required, the proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that public consultations on the second electricity tariff revision for this year will begin tomorrow. These consultations are scheduled to continue until 3 October, covering all provinces.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has recently submitted a proposal to the PUCSL recommending an 18.3 percent increase in electricity tariffs from 1 June. This recommendation follows guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which urged the government to align electricity pricing swiftly with operational costs.
According to the proposal, the following changes are suggested for domestic users consuming less than 60 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month:
- Units 0–30 kWh: Per-unit cost to increase from Rs. 4.00 to Rs. 4.75
- Fixed charge: To rise from Rs. 75 to Rs. 90
For the 31–60 kWh category:
- Per-unit cost: To increase from Rs. 6.00 to Rs. 7.00
- Fixed charge: To increase from Rs. 200 to Rs. 235
For households using more than 60 kWh per month:
- Units 0–60 kWh: Per-unit cost to rise from Rs. 11 to Rs. 13
- Units 61–90 kWh: Per-unit cost to increase from Rs. 14 to Rs. 16.60
- Fixed charge: To be raised from Rs. 400 to Rs. 475
In addition to residential users, the CEB has also proposed increasing electricity tariffs for industrial sectors, hotels, government, and public institutions.
