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Electricity Bills in Sri Lanka: Highest in South Asia
Sri Lankans pay 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than South Asian neighbours In 2023, Sri Lanka revised its electricity charges three times in February, July and October. The stated basis for the increase, was to recover the full cost of providing electricity. This analysis compares the electricity charges on households in Sri Lanka in December 2023 with what households are paying in other South Asian countries. Two findings emerge that justify public concern on electricity bills in Sri Lanka: 1) Sri Lanka has the highest household electricity cost of any South Asian country (see Exhibit 1, comparing against the highest cost areas of supply in other countries). 2) Sri Lankan households are paying c. 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than the average cost to their counterparts in South Asian countries (see Exhibit 2). A tariff decrease is planned in Feb 2024; this new structure would result in cost reduction in the electricity bill of around 4% or less. Therefore, it will not make a dent in Sri Lanka occupying the position of paying the highest prices for electricity in the region at a multiple of 2.5 to 3 times of what is paid by households in South Asia. The analysis is based on comparing households that consume between 100 to 300 units of electricity per month on single-phase lines (excluding any government taxation on electricity). Exhibit 2 shows that consuming 100 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 5,280, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 2,078. Consuming 300 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 21,860, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 7,340. Exhibit 1:
Featured Insight
Electricity Bills in Sri Lanka: Highest in South Asia
Sri Lankans pay 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than South Asian neighbours In 2023, Sri Lanka revised its electricity charges three times in February, July and October. The stated basis for the increase, was to recover the full cost of providing electricity. This analysis compares the electricity charges on households in Sri Lanka in December 2023 with what households are paying in other South Asian countries. Two findings emerge that justify public concern on electricity bills in Sri Lanka: 1) Sri Lanka has the highest household electricity cost of any South Asian country (see Exhibit 1, comparing against the highest cost areas of supply in other countries). 2) Sri Lankan households are paying c. 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than the average cost to their counterparts in South Asian countries (see Exhibit 2). A tariff decrease is planned in Feb 2024; this new structure would result in cost reduction in the electricity bill of around 4% or less. Therefore, it will not make a dent in Sri Lanka occupying the position of paying the highest prices for electricity in the region at a multiple of 2.5 to 3 times of what is paid by households in South Asia. The analysis is based on comparing households that consume between 100 to 300 units of electricity per month on single-phase lines (excluding any government taxation on electricity). Exhibit 2 shows that consuming 100 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 5,280, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 2,078. Consuming 300 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 21,860, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 7,340. Exhibit 1:
Featured Insight
Electricity Bills in Sri Lanka: Highest in South Asia
Sri Lankans pay 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than South Asian neighbours In 2023, Sri Lanka revised its electricity charges three times in February, July and October. The stated basis for the increase, was to recover the full cost of providing electricity. This analysis compares the electricity charges on households in Sri Lanka in December 2023 with what households are paying in other South Asian countries. Two findings emerge that justify public concern on electricity bills in Sri Lanka: 1) Sri Lanka has the highest household electricity cost of any South Asian country (see Exhibit 1, comparing against the highest cost areas of supply in other countries). 2) Sri Lankan households are paying c. 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than the average cost to their counterparts in South Asian countries (see Exhibit 2). A tariff decrease is planned in Feb 2024; this new structure would result in cost reduction in the electricity bill of around 4% or less. Therefore, it will not make a dent in Sri Lanka occupying the position of paying the highest prices for electricity in the region at a multiple of 2.5 to 3 times of what is paid by households in South Asia. The analysis is based on comparing households that consume between 100 to 300 units of electricity per month on single-phase lines (excluding any government taxation on electricity). Exhibit 2 shows that consuming 100 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 5,280, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 2,078. Consuming 300 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 21,860, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 7,340. Exhibit 1:
Featured Insight
Electricity Bills in Sri Lanka: Highest in South Asia
Sri Lankans pay 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than South Asian neighbours In 2023, Sri Lanka revised its electricity charges three times in February, July and October. The stated basis for the increase, was to recover the full cost of providing electricity. This analysis compares the electricity charges on households in Sri Lanka in December 2023 with what households are paying in other South Asian countries. Two findings emerge that justify public concern on electricity bills in Sri Lanka: 1) Sri Lanka has the highest household electricity cost of any South Asian country (see Exhibit 1, comparing against the highest cost areas of supply in other countries). 2) Sri Lankan households are paying c. 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than the average cost to their counterparts in South Asian countries (see Exhibit 2). A tariff decrease is planned in Feb 2024; this new structure would result in cost reduction in the electricity bill of around 4% or less. Therefore, it will not make a dent in Sri Lanka occupying the position of paying the highest prices for electricity in the region at a multiple of 2.5 to 3 times of what is paid by households in South Asia. The analysis is based on comparing households that consume between 100 to 300 units of electricity per month on single-phase lines (excluding any government taxation on electricity). Exhibit 2 shows that consuming 100 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 5,280, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 2,078. Consuming 300 units in Sri Lanka costs LKR 21,860, while the average for South Asia is equivalent to LKR 7,340. Exhibit 1:
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Appropriation Act, No. 6 of 2019
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2019 ; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDE SRILANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THEGOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATEDFUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS OF, OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THEGOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THECONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act, No. 6 of 2020
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDESRILANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THEGOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATEDFUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS OF, OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THEGOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THECONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act, No. 52 Of 2011
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2006, TO AUTHORISE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDE SRI LANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE ; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR ; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT, BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS OF, OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF, THE GOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES ; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FUND ; AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act, No. 7 of 2020 (2021 Budget)
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2021; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDESRILANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THEGOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATEDFUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS OF, OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THEGOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THECONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act (Amendment), No. 47 of 2014
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2014 ; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDE SRI LANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE ; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR ; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS, OF OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE GOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES ; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act (Amendment), No. 23 of 2016
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2016 ; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDE SRI LANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE ; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR ; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS, OF OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE GOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES ; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act, No. 24 of 2016
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2016 ; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDE SRI LANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE ; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR ; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS, OF OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE GOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES ; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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Appropriation Act, No 30 of 2017
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR2018 ; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAISING OF LOANS IN OR OUTSIDESRILANKA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SERVICE; TO MAKE FINANCIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THEGOVERNMENT DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR; TO ENABLE THE PAYMENT BY WAY OF ADVANCES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND OR MONEYS, OF OR AT THE DISPOSAL OF THEGOVERNMENT, OF MONEYS REQUIRED DURING THAT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR EXPENDITURE ON SUCH ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFUND OF SUCH MONEYS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FUND AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
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