CEB proposes 18.3% electricity tariff hike for June–December 2025

According to a statement from PUCSL, the proposed tariff revision will undergo a public consultation process before a final decision is made. The commission expects to announce its verdict during the first week of June 2025.

The PUCSL noted that under Clause 5.2 of its Tariff Methodology, end-user electricity tariffs are determined based on CEB’s projected revenue requirements. The CEB has estimated a revenue shortfall of LKR 42.2 billion for the upcoming six-month period, citing the need for a tariff increase to bridge this deficit.

In its submission, the CEB outlined a range of factors considered in its analysis, including current electricity prices, fuel availability and projected costs, hydroelectric inflows, plant operational schedules, interest rates, economic recovery trends, energy demand forecasts, as well as transmission and distribution adjustments. Government policy directives were also taken into account in preparing the Bulk Supply Tariff (BST) and the proposed end-user tariff adjustment.

The public consultation process is intended to gather feedback from stakeholders, consumers, and experts, allowing the commission to weigh broader impacts before making its final ruling.

If approved, the tariff increase will affect millions of electricity users across Sri Lanka from June 2025 onward.