15% Power Tariff Hike, But 2025 Bills Still Lower Than 2024

by Staff Writer 11-06-2025 | 4:18 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a 15% increase in electricity tariffs, effective from June 12, 2025, following a comprehensive review of the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal and public consultations.

The CEB had initially proposed an 18.3% hike for the June–December 2025 period. However, after considering public feedback and economic impact assessments, PUCSL decided to limit the increase to 15%. This marks the second tariff revision for 2025.

Earlier this year, on January 18, PUCSL implemented a 20% reduction in electricity tariffs as part of the first revision for the year. When both adjustments are considered, the net effect for 2025 is an overall 8% reduction in electricity costs compared to 2024.

The decision was made in accordance with Section 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, and based on the cost-reflective pricing formula, while also taking into account public interest and affordability.

Despite the upcoming increase, PUCSL emphasized that the new rates remain lower than those in effect throughout 2024, ensuring continued relief for consumers while maintaining financial sustainability for the power sector.

Following the announcement of a 15% electricity tariff increase effective from June 12, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has released a detailed breakdown of how the revised rates will affect monthly bills across different household consumption levels.

According to PUCSL:

Households using less than 30 units per month will see a modest increase of approximately Rs. 20 in their monthly bill.

Consumers using 60 units will experience an increase of around Rs. 85.

For 90 units, the monthly bill will rise by about Rs. 240.

At 120 units, the increase will be approximately Rs. 360.

150 units will result in a Rs. 600 increase.

180 units will see a rise of Rs. 840.

For high-consumption households using 300 units, the monthly bill increase will be capped at Rs. 2,020.

In addition, religious institutions and places of worship consuming less than 90 units per month will continue to be charged the current subsidized rate of Rs. 4.50 per unit, with fixed monthly charges of Rs. 75 and Rs. 200 remaining unchanged.

For those consuming more than 90 units, the impact of the tariff hike will be limited to 12%, and PUCSL confirmed that even with this adjustment, the rates remain lower than those in effect during 2024.