Amunugama stresses need to remove power and energy sector from state monopoly
View(s):By Bandula Sirimanna
The power and energy sector should be removed from the state monopoly as it is a burden to the country’s economy, said Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Sarath Amunugama at the launching ceremony of the web site of the Public Utilities Commission at BMICH in Colombo last week.
He added that the private sector should be allowed to enter the power and energy arena because the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) as well as the Ceylon Petroleum Cooperation (CPC) was making heavy losses under state control.
The two state entities supplying electricity and fuel to the public are weighing down the economy, the Minister said. He stressed the need of promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
International financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF have pressurised the government to open the power and energy sector to the private sector and the losses in the CEB and CPC are often spotlighted.
Recently the Bolivian President Evo Morales nationalized two electricity companies complaining they oppressed the masses by charging exorbitant rates, he said.
The website of the Public Utilities Commission was launched to address the problems of around 5.5 million electricity consumers.
Minister Amunugama said the Public Utility Commission has been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the electricity consumer and the producer through a price regulatory mechanism.
Chairman of the Commission Dr. Jayatissa de Costa said that the Commission which is the authority for price regulation of electricity consumption has saved Rs. 86 billion through its activities.
The Commission has also developed a new online consumer dispute resolution system, to address all unresolved consumer complaints pertaining to the supply and distribution of electricity.
The system which came into operation from 21st January can be accessed through the main website of the Commission http://www.pucsl.gov.lk/
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