Public consultation called on renewable energy purchase tariff

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has published the proposed non-conventional renewable energy purchase tariff on 26 July 2012, and at the end of the allowed time for written public comments, 16 written representations with comments and suggestions on the consultation document have been received.

In addition, a notice was also published on 17 August 2012, inviting parties to register for the oral representations before 24 August 2012.

PUCSL said the consultation as a public event would take place on 28 August 2012 from 9 a.m. at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Many parties who have made representations are active stakeholders in the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka. Seven representations have already indicated the desire to be heard by the PUCSL during the oral phase of the consultation.

Though the concept of prior consultation is a novel experience to the Sri Lankan public sector, the commission has noted that when presented with an opportunity, the general public uses such opportunities in a productive manner.

Stakeholders willing to make oral representations on the consultation document available at www.pucsl.gov.lk could get registered with the commission by calling 011 2392607/8, faxing 011 2392641 or emailing [email protected] obtain a time slot for an oral presentation on or before 24 August 2012.

The Non Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) target of 10% of generation by 2015 was established as a policy target by the Government. One of the unique features in the NCRE sector is that the majority of generation plants are managed by the private sector. To sustain such investments and to attract more investment into the sector, a fair return should be available through NCRE tariffs.  However, it should be noted that finally, it is the electricity consumer that pays the purchase price of electricity.

The PUCSL is duty bound to protect the interests of the electricity consumer. Hence the objective of the public consultation is to offer meaningful opportunities to all parties concerned.