Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, has announced that the upcoming revision of the electricity bill in January is expected to bring relief to the people of the country. The Minister highlighted that efforts have been made to mitigate the impact of the revision on consumers, particularly through the exclusion of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Minister Wijesekera emphasized that the reduction in the consumption of furnace oil for electricity generation in November, coupled with the anticipated decrease in January, has led to a substantial conservation of furnace oil and naphtha. In response to this conservation, cabinet approval has been granted to export the surplus furnace oil and naphtha available in the country, presenting an optimistic outlook for energy resources.

The decision to export surplus fuel resources aligns with the government's commitment to prudent resource management and economic sustainability. Minister Wijesejera underscored the importance of diversifying perspectives on the proposed new Electricity Bill, encouraging active participation from various stakeholders, including Trade Unions (TUs), political parties, and electricity consumers.

To facilitate an inclusive dialogue, the Minister announced an open invitation for written comments and suggestions from stakeholders. The submission period commenced today, December 20, and will remain open until January 3. This inclusive approach aims to gather input from a broad spectrum of voices, ensuring that the perspectives of different sectors of society are taken into consideration.