Electricity Tariff Warning: 40% Wage Hike Could Double Rates ⚡

The National Transmission Network Service Provider has warned of a potential 100% electricity tariff hike if trade union demands for a 40% salary increase are met. While the strike has been temporarily suspended following Labour Ministry talks, significant financial concerns remain. • Financial Impact: Granting the 40% increase would add Rs. 1.8 Bn to monthly expenditure, totaling approximately Rs. 22 Bn annually. This follows the CEB recording losses of Rs. 35 Bn as of 31 December 2025. • Negotiation Status: Management has already accepted 62 out of 64 union demands. Key concessions include an Rs. 11,000 allowance plus cost-of-living adjustments, raising average monthly payments by roughly Rs. 17,000. • Restructuring Context: Unions are seeking to retain benefits during the transition from the CEB to six successor companies. Outstanding issues, including a retroactive 25% salary adjustment from 2024, have been referred to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. • Economic Risk: A 100% tariff increase would severely impact industries, households, and overall national competitiveness, potentially stalling economic recovery.