NSO revises 2026 Q2–Q3 power cost estimate, submits to PUCSL over rising global fuel prices

Colombo, April 29 (Daily Mirror) - The National System Operator (Private) Limited (NSO) has submitted a revised electricity generation cost estimate for the second (Q2) and third (Q3) quarters of 2026 to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on April 27, citing rising fuel prices in the global market.

Following the submission, PUCSL has initiated a public consultation process on the proposed electricity tariff revision based on the updated cost structure.

According to the consultation paper, the government will provide a Rs. 15 billion subsidy to electricity consumers from May 10, as part of measures to ease the financial burden. Based on this subsidy, the Commission has recommended that electricity tariffs will not be increased for 95 percent of consumers, including households and religious places of worship.

It has also been proposed that tariff revisions will not apply to consumers in sub-categories using less than 180 units per month under general purpose, government institutions, and tourist hotel categories. In addition, no increase is recommended for the first sub-category of the industrial sector.

The Commission further said that steps will be taken to ensure that additional costs arising from the coal situation are not passed on to consumers through electricity tariffs.

PUCSL estimates that NSO will face a deficit of Rs. 38 billion during the second and third quarters of 2026 due to increased electricity generation costs, excluding additional coal-related expenses. The Treasury has already informed the Commission of the government’s decision to cover Rs. 15 billion of this deficit as a subsidy.

The consultation paper, prepared after reviewing NSO’s cost estimates, has been published for public review. Stakeholders are invited to submit written and oral representations.

Written comments will be accepted until May 6, 2026, while an oral consultation session will be held on the same day at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo. Pre-registration is required for oral submissions and can be made via 076 427 1030.

Final decisions on the revised electricity tariffs are expected to be announced on May 9, 2026, after reviewing all public feedback.

Submissions can be made via post, email ([email protected]

), fax (0112392641), or WhatsApp (0764271030).

Further details, including the consultation paper and cost estimate, are available on the PUCSL website.