Sri Lanka Electricity Tariff Revision Decision to Be Announced on May 9

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the decision on the revised electricity tariffs will be announced on May 9th.

Accordingly, the process of obtaining public opinions on the special electricity tariff revision proposal for the year 2026 will commence from today (29).

Due to the increase in fuel prices in the global market, the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd. had submitted a revised cost estimate related to power generation for the second and third quarters of 2026 for the approval of the Public Utilities Commission on April 27th.

Based on this estimate, the Commission has decided to seek public opinions on the proposed tariff revision.

The proposed tariff revision document includes the following items:

Provision of a government subsidy of Rs. 15 billion to electricity consumers from May 10th.

Recommending that 95 percent of consumers, including households and places of worship, not increase their tariffs through government subsidies.

Recommending that there be no increase in tariffs for those consuming less than 180 units per month in the general purpose, government institutions and tourist resorts categories.

Recommending that there be no increase in tariffs for the first sub-category of the industrial sector.

Further ensuring that additional costs arising from the coal situation are not included in the electricity tariff.

The Commission has estimated that the National System Operator will face a financial deficit of Rs. 38 billion in the second and third quarters of 2026 due to the increase in the cost of power generation. This does not include additional costs related to coal. The Treasury has already informed the Commission that the government has decided to provide Rs. 15 billion as subsidy out of this total deficit.

Documents related to the tariff revision were released today (29). Interested parties may submit their written comments on this matter until May 06. The oral comment session will be held at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall, Colombo.

Comments can be sent by post, email, WhatsApp or fax. Advance registration is required for oral comments (Tel: 076 427 1030).

Taking into account the comments received, the final decision on the electricity tariff will be announced on May 09, 2026.

Details for submitting comments:

By post: Public Consultation on the 2026 Special Electricity Tariff Revision, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, 6th Floor, Bank of Ceylon Business Tower, St. Michael's Road, Colombo 03.

Email: consultation@pucsl.gov.lk

Telecopy: 0112392641

WhatsApp: 0764271030

For further information: Jayanath Herath (Director - Corporate Communications Division) - 077 294 3193.