Divulge specific complaints against it The Minister serving as the spokesman of the Cabinet, addressing a press briefing held on 22.12.2020 to announce the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting held on 21.12.2020, said in response to a query by a journalist on the course of action taken against the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), that […]
Gives detailed list of rejected power proposals and breakdown of funds saved since 2016
Says some proposals were in contravention of Electricity Act or did not adhere to least cost principle
At least two proposals were to run for 10 years, including for diesel power and barge mounted plants
The Employees Union of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday said the power regulator has saved Rs. 571 billion of public funds over the last four years by not approving unnecessary emergency power and non-long-term power purchases, including Rs. 121 billion in 2019.
Issuing a press release, the union pointed out that from 2016-2020, the Commission received 16 proposals seeking approval for the purchases of 1,841 MW of emergency and non-long-term electricity.
Former Chairman of PUCSL, Attorney at Law, Saliya Mathew writes
Being a utility regulator has
perils because the independence of the regulator necessarily removes power from
politicians, operators, and others. Furthermore, regulators are sometimes
scapegoats for unpopular policies and unavoidably become involved in shaping
the policies that they are supposed to implement. As a result of such
frictions, regulators are sometimes removed from office or marginalized in some
way. However, having a regulator is paramount important to a country and its
people. Sri Lanka has and had many regulatory authorities and these regulatory
institutions are known for its independence and for its dedication to improving
Cabinet approval to seek AG’s advice to amend PUCSL and Electricity Acts
Move aimed at limiting PUCSL powers to consumer protection, regulating safety standards
New power projects to get go ahead from Cabinet with no intervention from PUCSL
Cabinet note says PUCSL standing in way of new projects has led to looming crisis in power sector
Says around $ 2 b investment in sector likely in next 24 months
By Asiri Fernando
Cabinet yesterday gave approval to seek advice from the Attorney General (AG) to amend the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act and related legislation as the Government pushes ahead with winding up the PUCSL, which opponents say will weaken industry regulation and open the door to large-scale corruption.
HomeNewsImplementation of power generation plans PUCSL Employees Union denies allegations Implementation of power generation plans PUCSL Employees Union denies allegations 18 December 2020 12:00 am - 0
The Employees Union of Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said yesterday denied the allegation made by certain parties that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has delayed the implementation of power generation plans is a baseless and completely false statement.
Issuing a statement, the Union said, According to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, the Commission is responsible for approving power generation plans and approving the calling for proposals to build power plants (Request for Proposals) and Power Purchasing Agreements. Accordingly, the Commission has given its fullest cooperation and approval to the Ceylon Electricity Board for implementing the Least Cost Long Term Generation Plans.