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A notice was published by the Ceylon Electricity Board in the Daily
News of 18.4.2013 giving the revised electricity tariffs effective from
12.4.2013 as approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
According to this notice, the existing incremental block tariff
structure is changed to a volume differentiated tariff structure, where
the monthly consumption falls within a certain range (block). The
relevant tariffs for that range will be applicable for the entire
monthly consumption.
In this connection it will be recalled that the above methodology was
brought into effect by the CEB on 15.3.2008 but following an Order of
the Supreme Court was revoked with effect from 1.11.2008 and the
block-by-block basis which prevailed prior to 15.3.2008 was implemented
instead.
It is a matter for concern that the Public Utilities Commission has
implemented the same system.
I wish to request the PUC to revert to the block-by-block system with
any minor adjustments in the unit rate if considered necessary, in
keeping with the decision of the Supreme Court.
H. W. GOONESEKERA – PANADURA
The Ceylon Electricity Board has once again increased electricity
supply charges.
The person employed by the local body known as the ‘Lighter’ is never
to be seen, or arrives to work by noon.
I suggest that all costs due to wasted electricity be recovered from
the local body or the Lighter, irrespective of his political alliance or
connections with the 'Sabha member'.
Secondly, there are many places where street lamps have become garden
lights or pool-side lights, due to lamp posts being located inside
private resident compounds.
Besides this, there are places where the number of street lamps
installed to illuminate an area is excessive.
It is said that such planning is approved by ‘Saba members’ or higher
officials to please certain residents. By removing these excessive
street lamps, wastage can be drastically reduced. It is not necessary to
appoint a commission and wait for its report to take action.
A few dedicated and honest officials of the CEB can be assigned to
look into this matter and take prompt action to end electricity waste.
NAHEER TAIP – WATTALA
I refer to the electricity tariff high rates which appeared in the
print media applicable from 12/04/2013 and the various news items which
appeared in both the print and electronic media with regard to the
computation of charges. It would appear that if the consumer exceeds 90
units, say for eg.91 units, the charges will be approx. Rs 2,226 with
the bill computated for the full charges as Rs 15 per unit.
When charges are based on slabs at different levels and rates, the
correct and acceptable procedure is to work out the charges in
accordance with the progressive slab rate. In order to highlight my
observations, I give below the schedule of charges and as to how the
consumer should be charged for 91 units.
Trust this matter will receive the government’s immediate attention
since the consumers are not liable to face such high charges.
J V R Dias – Mabole
It is heartening to learn of the suggestion that children undergoing
treatment in hospitals who will be missing their schooling, will be
taken care of as regards their studies. Initially a few teachers are to
be recruited to meet the needs of these children, according to a news
report.
This is to suggest that the children be taught mainly, languages and
maths to enhance their literacy and numerical skills. These should be
more than enough to cope with their studies when they get back to school
after recuperation. Both the Health Minister and the Education Minister
deserve to be commended for their innovative concept to impart education
to children in hospitals.
M. Zahran Colombo 3.
Electricity supply charges have been increased once again. The reason
given is the increase in fuel charges and the loss by the Ceylon
Electricity Board.
The most affected are us, housewives, who are already burdened by the
high cost of living. May is the month of Vesak when Buddhists make
Vesakkoodu which they light on this sacred day.
These Vesak koodu in addition to paper lanterns are illuminated by
electric bulbs.
In addition, Buddhist houses are decorated with electric bulbs. Even
pandals depicting Jathaka stories of the Buddha are constructed.
All these are Amisa poojas which are resorted to by Buddhists for the
sake of the Buddha.
The increase in electricity charges at this juncture will mean that
Buddhists will not be able to perform these Amisa poojas.
It will be most appropriate if the CEB, the Public Utilities
Commission and the government take these into consideration and put off
the increase until after the Vesak festival.
MALANIE FONSEKA - PILIYANDALA
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