The Public Utilities Commission which is empowered to decide on increasing tariffs is studying a proposal by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to increase rates.
Commission’s Chariman Jayatissa de Costa, PC said they were also discussing the proposal with the Treasury. “We will have to take a decision as we cannot allow the CEB to operate at a loss. While doing this, we must also not put too much of a burden on the public,” he said.CEB Chairman Wimaladarma Abeywickrema said they were seeking an increase in rates as the hydropower generation which should have been around 40 per cent had dropped to 15 per cent.
He said that as a result the thermal power generation had increased causing heavy losses to the CEB.“If the tarrif is increased we will be able to balance the losses, or we will have to depend on the Treasury,” he said.
The CEB Chief said that the hydropower station areas had not received sufficient rain but they were hopeful of some rain in the coming months. |
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