If the dry weather conditions affecting the island continue, the electricity bill will have to be increased, says Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.
“Electricity bills have been reduced by 20%. If they are increased, there is a possibility that they will increase it. We will not get it as a cost, not as a profit or a surplus. If we want to maintain it, we will have to make amendments, so we do not like it. The Electricity Board always says that it is making a profit of 140 billion. It is always telling that lie.
The Electricity Board does not make a profit, but a surplus comes from changing prices from quarter to quarter. The previous 06 months are left over and taken for the next 06 months, and that is how a forecast is made. When that forecast is made, that surplus is spent.
Then there is no profit left at the end of the year. There was 140 last year, it was included in expenses. Only 46 of it was left over and came to this. When that 46 is included in this, there is a loss of about 42 billion after these 06 months. It will get worse as this situation increases.”
The Minister said this while addressing a meeting held in Matale.