LECO to introduce prepaid tariff scheme by 1Q

Saturday, 18 January 2025 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has given a special approval to Lanka Electricity Company Ltd., (LECO) to roll out a prepaid tariff scheme for retail users towards the end of the first quarter of the year. Addressing the media, PUCSL Director Communications Jayanath Herath said the prepaid scheme offers flexibility for electricity users from Negombo to Galle to have greater control over usage.

“The move aligns with the Commission’s broader agenda to enhance electricity user choice and enable them to monitor and control their usage via a top-up mechanism,” he explained.

The implementation of the program will come into effect towards the latter part of March or early April 2025.

He said the tariffs under this scheme are categorised into two main blocks to encourage efficient energy usage and affordability for low-electricity households.

Domestic electricity users using up to 90 kWh per month will benefit from the lower prepaid rate of Rs. 15 per kWh, while usage beyond this threshold will incur a slightly higher tariff of Rs. 23 per kWh.

Fixed monthly tariffs under the prepaid scheme have also been kept minimal, with rates ranging from Rs. 100 for the lowest usage block to Rs. 1,000 for higher users.

Herath said the move will benefit electricity users who are seeking to manage their expenses effectively to avoid surprises in their monthly bills amid rising costs.

“This helps electricity users make informed decisions and encourages responsible usage habits,” he added.