Energy expert Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya says that according to the Electricity Act, the Cabinet has no power to make decisions on reducing or increasing the electricity tariffs.
He says he was somewhat surprised to hear that the Cabinet decided to increase electricity in two phases next year regardless of the law.
He points out that this electricity crisis has fallen to such depths after the year 2104 due to political decisions taken in isolation without proper data.
Joining a conversation with Neth News, he said:
“An approval by the Cabinet was not necessary to increase or decrease the electricity rates. According to the Electricity Act in the country, the cost of electricity supply in the country should be submitted by the electricity supply companies to the Public Utilities Commission. The Public Utilities Commission in turn should consider the submitted proposals and approve the expenses. The electricity bill should be adjusted accordingly.
Secondly, the Act states that the Public Utilities Commission should prepare the necessary documents to carry out this procedure. Since 2011, the Public Utilities Commission has had sole authority to reduce or increase the price of electricity in January and July after preparing these documents.
According to the current law, the cabinet has no responsibility to reduce or increase the electricity bill. Therefore, I am surprised that the cabinet took such a decision.
Due to various political pressures, the electricity bill was not revised twice a year after 2014. As a result, the losses of the electricity board increased.
“Consumers will feel comfortable in some way if price reductions and price increases happen on time according to a schedule.” Only then will the customer have confidence in pricing.”
The electricity bill was reduced in 2014. It was reduced by a politician. not the Public Utilities Commission. This is a major flaw.
“After that, every January and July, the price could be reduced or increased.” “It is according to the political climate of the country that a decision is taken to send a proposal to the Electricity Board.”
Dr. Siambalapitiya further mentioned that the Public Utilities Commission will accept that proposal or reject it depending on the political situation.
He also pointed out that, in the end, the Electricity Board ended up with a debt of more than 500 billion rupees to various banks and suppliers.
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