The decision by the Public Utilities Commission to hold public consultations despite official notification from the National System Operator (NSO) that no electricity tariff revision is required has sparked controversy. Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake questioned in Parliament yesterday why public funds are being wasted in this manner.
The Minister stated that based on current data and forecasts, there is no need to raise electricity tariffs again this year. He pointed out that such moves merely provide an unnecessary platform for certain opposition politicians, defeated figures, and YouTubers to express their opinions.
Key Points
- The NSO has informed that no electricity tariff increase is needed for the fourth quarter of 2026.
- A letter dated October 6 indicated that generation costs dropped from Rs 129 billion to Rs 125 billion.
- Questions were raised in Parliament over why public funds are being wasted on unnecessary consultations.
Generation cost reduced by 4 billion
As per routine practice, the National System Operator submits electricity generation cost forecasts for each quarter. In a letter sent on October 6, the NSO pointed out that power generation costs have dropped from Rs 129 billion to Rs 125 billion. The Minister noted that since generation costs have declined, there is no requirement for any tariff revision.
NSO stance remains unchanged
Meanwhile, NSO (Pvt) Ltd reaffirmed its stance during yesterday's stakeholder consultation regarding the electricity tariff revision for the fourth quarter of 2026. They stated that no tariff increase is anticipated from October to December.
The institution further stated that this decision was reached considering existing reservoir storage capacities as well as weather forecasts predicting above-normal rainfall under prevailing El Niño conditions.
