Electricity tariff to be further reduced

The government opts to further reduce the electricity tariff in the near future, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. Responding to a question by a journalist at the Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry auditorium yesterday, the minister said addition of Sampur Coal Power Plant and the expiration of agreements signed with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) would enable the government to reduce the electricity tariff further. The minister pointed out the CEB had to purchase a power unit at exorbitant prices such as Rs 42-60 per unit from the private sector due to long term agreements signed with the IPPs.

He said most of these agreements are due to expire in the next few years, adding that the government would not renew these agreements. He said the unit cost of the Norochcholai Power Plant is Rs 7.20. He said the government kept to its pledge made during the commissioning of first phase of Norochcholai Power Plant to reduce the electricity tariff with the commissioning of its third phase. He said the government has also given priority to promote renewable energy including wind power.

(Courtesy: Daily News)