Electricity Consumers’ Association to take legal action over PUCSL’s refusal to reduce tariffs

The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) says it will initiate legal action against the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), accusing it of failing to direct the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to reduce electricity tariffs in the latest quarterly revision for October to December 2025.

ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika condemned the decision, highlighting that despite the CEB recording a substantial profit of Rs. 25,462 million over the past three quarters (January-September 2025), only one-third—Rs. 8,487 million—was reflected in the recent tariff adjustment.

Dhammika noted that the remaining Rs. 16,975 million had yet to be returned to consumers, calling this a “grave injustice.”

“Why did the PUCSL not direct the CEB to reduce electricity bills and return these huge profits to the people? We are taking legal action and lodging a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL),” he said, emphasizing the financial strain on consumers forced to pay inflated bills, often borrowing money or mortgaging assets to cover costs.

Earlier this week, the PUCSL announced it would maintain existing tariffs for the current quarter, rejecting the CEB’s request for a 6.8% tariff increase. PUCSL Chairperson Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal stated the decision followed a review of public submissions and the electricity cost calculation methodology.

Meanwhile, Ananda Palitha, Convenor of the Samagi United Trade Union Alliance and Energy TU Coalition, called on the HRCSL to intervene, stating that the PUCSL should have used the opportunity to reduce tariffs, given the CEB’s ongoing profits.

“The PUCSL has effectively allowed the CEB to collect Rs. 25,000 million from consumers since late 2024,” Palitha claimed, alleging this violates the PUCSL Act.

He added that when the CEB’s profits exceed operational costs, those benefits should be passed to consumers—something the latest tariff decision failed to achieve.

Palitha further warned that an opportunity to reduce electricity charges by at least 20% was missed, and expressed doubts that consumers would see any benefit as the CEB undergoes restructuring into four separate entities. He also alleged that the CEB made an additional Rs. 8,000 million in undue profits over the past three months alone.