Skip to main content

Ceylon Electricity Board: A Complete Guide to Sri Lanka’s Power Provider

 

Ceylon Electricity Board: Powering Sri Lanka’s Future

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is the backbone of Sri Lanka’s power sector, supplying electricity to millions of homes and businesses. Whether you’re a resident, expat, or business owner, understanding how the CEB operates can help you manage bills, report outages, and explore renewable energy options.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ History & Role of the Ceylon Electricity Board
✔ How to Pay Your CEB Bill Online & Offline
✔ Dealing with Power Outages & Complaints
✔ CEB’s Renewable Energy Initiatives
✔ Future Plans for Sri Lanka’s Electricity Supply

Let’s dive in!

Ceylon Electricity Board control room managing Sri Lanka’s power supply



1. What is the Ceylon Electricity Board?

History & Role of CEB

Established in 1969, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is Sri Lanka’s primary electricity provider. It generates, transmits, and distributes power across the island, ensuring homes, industries, and public services have reliable electricity.

CEB operates:

  • Thermal & coal power plants

  • Hydroelectric dams

  • Wind & solar energy projects

  • National power grid maintenance

CEB’s Organizational Structure

The board functions under Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy, with regional offices island-wide. Key divisions include:

  • Generation (power plants)

  • Transmission (grid management)

  • Distribution (customer connections)


2. Ceylon Electricity Board Services

Electricity Connection for Homes & Businesses

Applying for a new CEB connection? Here’s how:

  1. Submit an application at the nearest CEB office.

  2. Provide documents (NIC, deed, or rental agreement).

  3. Pay connection fees (varies by usage type).

  4. Inspection & meter installation (takes 7–14 days).

CEB Billing & Tariff Structure

CEB uses a slab-based tariff system, meaning rates increase with higher consumption.

Current CEB Electricity Tariffs (2024)

Usage (kWh)

Rate (LKR/kWh)

0–30

Rs. 8.00

31–60

Rs. 10.00

61–90

Rs. 16.00

91–120

Rs. 50.00

121–180

Rs. 75.00

180+

Rs. 100.00

Note: Rates may change; check CEB’s official website for updates.

Paying Ceylon Electricity Board bills online in Sri Lanka



3. How to Pay Your Ceylon Electricity Board Bill

Online Payment Methods

✅ CEB Smart App (Official mobile app)
✅ Bank transfers (Commercial, HNB, Sampath)
✅ Credit/Debit cards via CEB portal
✅ eZ Cash & FriMi (Mobile wallets)

Offline Payment Options

✔ CEB Customer Service Centers
✔ Authorized banks & post offices
✔ Convenience stores (LankaPay partners)

Pro Tip: Set up auto-pay to avoid late fees!


4. Reporting Power Outages & Complaints

Common Causes of CEB Power Cuts

  • Scheduled maintenance (CEB announces in advance)

  • Faulty transformers or lines

  • Overload during peak hours

  • Natural disasters (storms, floods)

How to Report an Outage

  1. Call CEB Hotline: 1987 (Free from any phone)

  2. Use the CEB Smart App (Outage reporting feature)

  3. Visit the nearest CEB office

Average restoration time: 2–6 hours (urban), up to 24 hours (rural).


5. CEB’s Renewable Energy Initiatives

Sri Lanka’s Shift to Green Energy

CEB is expanding solar, wind, and hydro projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Key projects:
🌞 Solar Power Parks (Hambantota, Pooneryn)
🌊 Wind Farms (Mannar, Jaffna)
💧 Hydropower Expansion (Broadlands, Uma Oya)

Net Metering for Solar Users

Homeowners with solar panels can sell excess power to CEB under the Net Metering Scheme.

How it works:

  1. Install solar panels (CEB-approved vendors).

  2. Apply for net metering via CEB.

  3. Get a bi-directional meter to track export/import.

  4. Earn credits on your bill!


6. Future of Ceylon Electricity Board

Smart Grids & Digital Upgrades

CEB plans to introduce:
🔹 Smart meters (real-time usage tracking)
🔹 AI-based outage prediction
🔹 Expanded EV charging stations

Challenges Ahead

  • Reducing power cuts in rural areas

  • Managing rising electricity demand

  • Transitioning to 100% renewable energy


Final Thoughts

The Ceylon Electricity Board plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s development. By understanding its services, tariffs, and outage solutions, you can ensure a smooth experience.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Check Your Electricity Bill Online in Sri Lanka (2025 Guide)

  Paying and checking your electricity bill online in Sri Lanka has never been easier. With digital services from CEB (Ceylon Electricity Board) and LECO (Lanka Electricity Company), you can now check your electricity bill online without visiting payment centers. This guide covers step-by-step methods for online bill checks, payment options, troubleshooting issues, and tips to avoid late fees. Whether you're using a mobile app, website, or SMS service, we’ll help you manage your electricity bills efficiently. Why Should You Check Your Electricity Bill Online? Before diving into the steps, let’s see why an online electricity bill check is beneficial: ✅ Instant access – No waiting in queues. ✅ 24/7 availability – Check anytime, anywhere. ✅ Paperless & eco-friendly – Reduce physical bills. ✅ Auto-pay options – Avoid late fees with scheduled payments. ✅ Track consumption – Monitor monthly usage trends. How to Check Electricity Bill Online in Sri Lanka 1. Check CEB (Ceylon Electrici...

CEB Theme song

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) does have a theme song, and there appear to be a couple of versions. Based on search results, you can find the "CEB Theme Song" (ලංවිම තේමා ගීතය - இமிச தீம் பாடல்) on YouTube. There seems to be an "Old Release" and a "2018 Release" (or "new version").

Your Guide to Online Bill Management: CEB Bill Download Sri Lanka

  The Easiest Way to Download Your CEB Bill in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Struggling to find your monthly electricity bill? You're not alone! Gone are the days of waiting for a paper bill that might get lost in the mail. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) now offers a super convenient way for consumers in Sri Lanka to view and download their bills online. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to access your CEB bill download Sri Lanka instantly, making your life a little easier. Let's get started! Why Bother with a Digital Bill? Let's face it, having a digital copy of your CEB bill is a game-changer. It's not just about convenience; it's about being in control. An electronic bill is easy to store, can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and is great for record-keeping. Plus, it's an eco-friendly option that helps reduce paper waste. You'll always have a copy on hand for reference, whether you're checking your usage, applying for a loan, or simply needing a p...