PUC to monitor electricity utilities

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA and Disna MUDALIGE

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has taken steps to issue licences or exemptions for power generation, to transmit, distribute and supply electricity, said the Public Utilities Commission Chairman Dr. Jayatissa de Costa at a press briefing at the Information Department.

He also said "All the licences issued under the Electricity Act would be renewed on October 8 and they will be valid for the next six months. There will be no need to apply for licences in respect of generators less than one Mega Watt. After we call for applications we will give four weeks for public response. Applicants should have the economic capacity and technological background." "The Electricity Act was introduced last April. The Government established the Public Utilities Commission to carry on government policies independently under Mahinda Chinthana.

Public Utilities Commission was appointed to facilitate economic, technical and safety regulations," he added.

" We hope to collect all information of electricity usage to a data base and from that find illegal users and take action against them," said the Chairman.