PUCSL says no need for scheduled power cuts for next three months

There will be no need to impose scheduled power cuts for the next three months under the new methodology adopted by Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said. 

Addressing a media briefing this evening, Mr Ratnayake stated that the PUCSL, as the power sector regulator, has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to undertake a series of measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for the next three months. 

Accordingly, hydropower generation will be reduced by 50% from tomorrow (16) while standby generators of private users will be incorporated to the national grid. 

"Our analysis and data shows us we can manage our power situation without any scheduled power interruptions right throughout until we get into our next rainy season in May," the PUCSL Chairman said, adding their main obstacle is to curtail the consumption of hydropower which is depleting every day. 

He asked the public to be mindful of the situation and make utmost efforts to conserve electricity. 

The PUCSL has also noted that all apartments should not be using air conditioning facilities from 6.00pm to 9.00pm while all public institutions must refrain from using air conditioning facilities from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Local government authorities and the Road Development Authority must also take steps to reduce the lighting of street lamps by 80%. 

However, the methology works on the assumption that fuel needed for power plants will be made available and that power plants will not break down, Mr Ratnayake conceded. In the event that the national grid were to lose more than 200 MegaWatts (MW) of power, the need to impose power cuts will arise. In such an event, a power cut of about one hour would be imposed daily. The daily power cut will extend to 1 1/2 hours in the event more than 300MW are lost to the national grid and 2 hours if more than 400MW are lost. 

Nevertheless, Mr Ratnayake claimed such situations can be avoided if the CEB strictly adhered to the directions given by the PUCSL and through conservation of electricity.