The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I thank the Energy Minister for the lengthy answer. However, I see the oil mafia acting against the proper rollout of renewables. How will you safeguard and implement renewables amidst this? Electricity bills are being increased by 13.56% now, and coal imports are laying the groundwork for another 20% hike in the third quarter. The second quarter hike is 13.56%; due to coal imports, they are already seeking a further 20% in the third quarter. Also, regarding the “Ditva” cyclone, you said Rs. 20 billion was not received. If not, then the expenditure is from CEB cashflows—so how will the remaining funds be sourced?

¶ 02 On time‑of‑use, your answer favoured the oil mafia; please give an honest answer to protect consumers. You also mentioned USD 200 million and another USD 30 million for transmission. In 2019 when I was the subject Minister, the transmission need was USD 2.3–3.0 billion. How will that gap be bridged?

¶ 03 On coal, since grid AC cannot be ramped, you are importing coal via load port. Load Port Certificates are now required. At Norochcholai, out of 11 coal vessels, 4 have issues. When I was Minister, we paid more to get higher energy content; earlier it was not so. Still, consumers will suffer hikes. Calorific value is set at 5,900; that means 373 grams per kWh, 105 tons per hour, 7,500 tons per day. Inevitably there’s a USD 10 million loss. Shamelessly, officials first asked PUCSL to allow a 13.56% hike.

¶ 04 Please do not allow a further 20% hike in the third quarter. What will you do?

¶ 05 Also, direct feeding is happening; Russian and South African coals are there while an 80 MW shortfall appears that is being met by fuel oil—this creates losses.

¶ 06 I urge you, from that Chair, do not allow 13% to become 20%.