PUCSL calls for public comments on electricity services

Submissions from the public on draft regulations for the safety, quality and continuity of electricity services could be sent to the PUCSL until 5 November 2012.

The PUCSL, as the regulatory body for the economic, technical and safety aspects of the electricity industry, is entrusted with the protection of the public from dangers associated with the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity.

In this regard, all who have obtained licenses (electricity licensees), those who have been exempted from obtaining licenses (exempted parties) for the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity, sub-contractors as well as consumers should follow the proper procedures in the above-mentioned functions and use of electricity.

The proper mechanism to ensure that the relevant stakeholders carry out their responsibilities is to implement the procedures as regulations. Under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, the imposition of the regulations with regard to the electricity sector is vested with the Minister of Power and Energy.

It is the responsibility of the PUCSL to recommend such regulations to the minister and ensure the compliance with such regulations by the respective parties once implemented. As such, the PUCSL has drafted the regulations on the safety of electricity, service quality and continuity of supply.

The proposed regulations will cover the quality standards and continuity of electricity supply and the standards to be maintained by relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of consumers from dangers that could occur during the functions of power generation, transmission, distribution, supply and use of electricity through power lines.  In addition, it will also include steps to be taken to minimise or completely eradicate threats to life and property that could occur during transmission, distribution, supply and use of electricity. The objective of this endeavour is to ensure that the rights of the consumer as well as to increase the quality of service in the electricity sector by implementing the above-mentioned regulations.

The PUCSL has decided to consider the views and proposals of all stakeholders in the formulation of these regulations. Accordingly, opportunities have been provided to those interested in the submissions of the comments on draft regulations. Copies of the draft can be obtained from the office of the Public Utilities Commission or by logging into the PUCSL website: www.pucsl.gov.lk. The last day of forwarding written submissions is 5 November 2012.

The revised draft regulations, formulated after studying all written submissions, will be approved by the PUCSL and is scheduled to be recommended to the Minister of Power and Energy in accordance with the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009. The regulations will come into force when the Minister approves and such approved regulations are published in the Government gazette.