Power and Energy Minister claims PUCSL gave concessionary tariff for apartments 

• Says if PUCSL reverses decision, relief could be passed on to domestic units
• Alleges electricity tariff charged from apartment complexes are 50% less than domestic units
• Claims PUCSL’s delay to approve tariff revision escalated power crisis
• Expresses confidence PUCSL will give its nod for proposed electricity tariff revision on 15 Feb.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday said electricity could be provided to domestic units at concessionary rates if the special relief granted by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka to apartments is withdrawn.

Speaking at the Parliament, he claimed that the PUCSL has granted special electricity tariff reductions to housing apartments.

“Electricity tariffs charged from apartment complexes are 50% less than the tariffs charged from housing units,” he charged, alleging how PUCSL has allowed such discrimination.

Minister Wijesekera believes the Commission will rectify the special relief granted for apartment complexes, adding that the benefit of it could be passed on to domestic electricity users.

He also claimed that the power crisis had escalated due to the delay caused by PUCSL approval to tariff hike in January.

However, the Minister expressed confidence that the PUCSL will give its nod for the proposed electricity tariff revision on 15 February.

“The PUCSL promised to the Cabinet of Ministers and the National Council that it will amend the tariff proposals and give its approval on 15 February. We are hopeful they will keep their word,” he added.