Good news for consumers as the National System Operator (NSO) revealed it will not pursue a power tariff increase for the October to December period of 2026.
The announcement came during a stakeholder consultation held today (05) on the proposed tariff revision for the final quarter.
Rains come to the rescue
According to the NSO, current reservoir storage levels and expectations of above-normal rainfall under existing El Niño conditions prompted this stance.
The anticipated wet weather alongside present water stocks is projected to keep hydropower going for the next three months, taking away the need to raise tariffs.
From 2.88% to zero
Earlier, the NSO had asked for a 2.88% increase in electricity sales revenue to cover a projected deficit of Rs. 4.4 billion for the quarter.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) then reviewed the plan and suggested a smaller 1.46% rise instead, cutting down the initial request after working through cost adjustments from Electricity Generation Lanka (EGL) and Electricity Distribution Lanka (EDL).
PUCSL figures placed the forecast supply cost at Rs. 157.3 billion against estimated sales revenue of Rs. 154 billion, with an earlier deficit of Rs. 1.1 billion added in.
What happens next
The final electricity tariff decision for the October–December 2026 quarter was expected by the PUCSL following the completion of its review and public consultation process.
