Kanchana submits Electricity Sector Reforms Bill for Cabinet to open up power industry

Tuesday, 31 October 2023 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says bill poised to unbundle services of CEB, improve efficiency, transparency, competition, private sector participation
Bill prepared with assistance of energy and legal experts of development agencies, industry champions

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera informed yesterday that the proposed Electricity Sector Reforms Bill for the observations was submitted for the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to open up the electricity industry for new entrants to offer competitive prices. “The proposed reforms will unbundle the services of CEB, improve efficiency, transparency, competition and allow private sector participation in the electricity industry,” he announced via ‘X’ yesterday.

Wijesekera said the Bill was prepared over the past 10 months with the assistance of energy and legal experts from development agencies and industry stakeholders.

Following the incorporation of the Attorney General Department’s recommended revisions by the Legal Draftsman, the Minister stated that the Bill received the AG’s certification last week.

He noted that once the Cabinet of Ministers approves the Bill, it will be gazetted and tabled in the Parliament for approval.