President’s May Day concession to electricity consumers:

POWER PRICE DOWN RETROACTIVELY

More subsidies may be granted at any given time:

Chaminda PERERA

The power tariff reduction announced by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the UPFA May Day rally would come into effect from April 20, Public Utilities Commission Chairman Dr. Jayatissa De Costa, PC, said. The President announced that the electricity rates of consumers whose usage does not exceed 60 units per month would not be increased under any circumstances while the rates of those consumers who use electricity up to 90 units will be afforded a relief by making the ceiling 95, for the next tariff tranche.

According to the PUCSL Chairman, the government may grant a subsidy to consumers at any given time and the President has announced subsidies under two categories.

Dr.Costa said there are some small matters that have to be ironed out.

Meanwhile, Power and Energy Ministry sources yesterday told the Daily News that the new power tariff scheme with the subsidies announced by the President was referred to the Public Utilities Commission for approval yesterday.

The ministry also announced a 25 percent reduction in the fuel surcharge for consumers who use between 61 - 180 units per month.