The National System Operator (NSO) has reportedly requested approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to increase electricity tariffs by 2.88% for the fourth quarter of this year, covering the period from October to December.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has now published its electricity tariff review for the fourth quarter.The document relating to the tariff review has been published on the Commission’s official website.According to the document, although the National System Operator initially requested a 2.88% tariff increase, a preliminary review conducted by the Commission found that the proposed increase could be reduced to 1.46%.Meanwhile, PUCSL Director-General Damitha Kumarasinghe has told the media that the National System Operator has sought approval for an electricity tariff increase for the fourth quarter and that public consultations on the proposal have now commenced.He said all stakeholders would have until 5 November to submit their views on the proposed tariff revision.He further explained that stakeholders had been given the opportunity to submit their comments and proposals to the Commission by email, fax or post.However, the final decision on the fourth-quarter electricity tariff revision will be made after the completion of the written public consultation, oral consultations conducted at provincial level, and a further review by the Public Utilities Commission.Meanwhile, speaking at a media briefing held in Divulapitiya recently, Sanjeewa Dhammika, National Secretary of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, said that although the Minister of Energy and the relevant institutions had made popular public statements claiming that electricity tariffs would not be increased this time, preparations were under way to raise electricity bills.He further stressed that, according to weather forecasts, heavy rainfall expected in catchment areas over the next three months would increase hydropower generation as a share of total electricity generation. In view of this, he said the Government should immediately ensure that consumers receive an overall 50% reduction in their electricity bills.