New draft Electricity Bill will spell end of consumer rights - former PUCSL Chief

Former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake today claimed that the proposed new draft Electricity Bill lacks any provision related to the handling of Rs. 200 million of deposits of electricity consumers. 

Addressing a media briefing, Mr Ratnayake said that the prevailing legislation endows the PUCSL with the authority to safeguard the rights of electricity consumers. "The current framework also establishes an effective mechanism to efficiently manage consumer grievances and conflicts through the PUCSL. This empowers consumers to seek resolutions for their complaints and concerns in a prompt and equitable manner, obviating the need for legal proceedings. Unfortunately, the proposed bill eradicates these rights, amenities and protections, placing consumers in a vulnerable position in relation to private entities," Mr Ratnayake claimed. 

Mr Ratnayake also said that the authority to set electricity rates is slated to be transferred to the minister as per provisions of the proposed bill. 

He further claimed that the proposed bill not only divides the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into 15 companies but also sets up three more companies. The board of directors and senior officers of each institution are appointed by the minister. "Accordingly, the electricity industry is completely politicised by the new draft," alleged the former PUCSL Chairman.