The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that the final decision on the revised electricity tariffs will be disclosed on May 9, 2026.
The Commission further stated that the public consultation process on the 2026 Extraordinary Electricity Tariff Revision Proposal will begin from today (April 29).
The move comes after the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd. submitted a revised electricity generation cost estimate for the second and third quarters of 2026 to the PUCSL on April 27, 2026. The revision was prompted by the increase in global fuel prices.
Following this submission, the PUCSL has decided to conduct a public consultation based on the proposed tariff revision, which is grounded on the updated cost estimates.
Key Proposals in the Consultation Paper
The consultation paper outlines several key recommendations:
- A government subsidy of Rs. 15 billion will be provided to electricity consumers from May 10.
- No tariff increase is recommended for 95% of consumers, including households and places of religious worship, due to the subsidy.
- No tariff increase is proposed for consumers in general purpose, government institutions, and tourist hotel categories with monthly usage below 180 units.
- Electricity tariffs will not be increased for the first sub-category of the industrial sector.
- Measures will be taken to ensure that additional costs arising from coal-related issues are not passed on to electricity tariffs.
The PUCSL has estimated that the National System Operator will face a deficit of Rs. 38 billion during the second and third quarters of 2026 due to increased generation costs. This estimate does not include additional expenses linked to coal-related electricity generation challenges.
The Treasury has already informed the Commission of the government’s decision to allocate Rs. 15 billion as a subsidy to offset part of this deficit.
The consultation paper, prepared after reviewing the cost estimates submitted by the National System Operator, was made available to the public today (April 29).
Public Consultation Process
Members of the public and interested stakeholders are invited to review the consultation document and submit their feedback and suggestions.
Written submissions will be accepted until May 6, 2026. An oral consultation session will also be held at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo.
Submissions can be made via post, email, fax, or WhatsApp. Pre-registration is required for those wishing to make oral presentations and can be done by contacting 076 427 1030.
After reviewing all comments and suggestions received, the PUCSL will announce the final electricity tariff decision on May 9, 2026.
Submission Details
Written comments can be sent to:
Public Consultation on the 2026 Special Electricity Tariff Revision
Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
6th Floor, Bank of Ceylon Commercial Tower
St. Michael’s Road
Colombo 3
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 011 239 2641
WhatsApp: 076 427 1030
For further information, contact Jayanath Herath, Director of Corporate Communications, PUCSL at 077 294 3193.
