No electricity tariff revision for fourth quarter of 2026, PUCSL announces

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided that no electricity tariff revision will be implemented for the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Commission said its review of cost data submitted by the National System Operator (NSO) initially indicated a 2.88% increase in the cost of electricity supply for the final quarter of the year.

However, the NSO submitted revised cost data on November 9. Taking into consideration the updated figures and the views and recommendations presented during the public consultation, the Commission decided that an electricity tariff revision was not necessary.

Accordingly, the existing electricity tariff structure applicable during the third quarter of 2026 will remain in effect throughout the fourth quarter.

Under Section 29 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, the NSO is required to submit estimated electricity supply cost data for future periods to the PUCSL for review. The Commission is responsible for evaluating the submissions, obtaining public feedback and determining electricity tariffs.

The NSO was required to submit its cost estimates for the fourth quarter of 2026 by August 17. However, the relevant data was submitted to the Commission only on October 6, 2026, indicating a proposed tariff increase of 2.88%.

The PUCSL subsequently conducted a public consultation to obtain stakeholder feedback on several aspects of the cost estimates, including projected electricity generation costs, the generation mix, energy costs, generation capacity costs, battery energy storage system capacity costs, adjustments for previous revenue surpluses or deficits, distribution company revenue surpluses and the proposed percentage of the tariff revision.

The Commission said the submissions and recommendations received during the consultation were also considered before reaching its decision not to revise electricity tariffs for the final quarter of 2026.

The public consultation was conducted in accordance with Section 17 of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 35 of 2002, and Section 29 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024.