Power interruption on Feb3 could have been completely avoided: PUCSL

The power failure occurred on February 3rd this year at several areas in Sri Lanka from 10.45 Hrs to 17.02 Hrs, could have been completed avoided,the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the electricity sector regulator said in a special investigation report titled “ REPORT ON ROTATIONAL LOAD SHEDDING CARRIED OUT ON FEBRUARY 03” released today.

“Apparently the system had enough capacity to supply the full demand during the period of load shedding,” the report says in its observations. According to the analysis the load shedding program carried out from 1045 Hrs to 1702 Hrs on February 03, 20202 could have been avoided," the report said. 

The report was prepared following the inquiries and complaints of consumers received by PUCSL on the day of the interruption occurred and to avoid such events happening in the future. The CEB also submitted an report in this regard as per the direction of PUCSL.

The CEB must obtain the prior approval of the PUCSL for every scheduled interruption of electricity supply as per section 10 of the Condition 30 of the Electricity Transmission and Bulk Supply License issued by the PUCSL other than the interruptions necessary due to maintenance which CEB gives prior notice to the public. The unplanned power interruption can cause due to a major power plant failure, transmission system failure or due to an environmental hazard.

“The unavailability of the West Coast power plant was identified in the day ahead forcast prepared by the CEB on February 02, 2020.Hence, if the availability of the West coast power plant was uncertain, the Transmission Licensee has sufficient time to obtain the approval of the Commission under 30 (10) of the Transmission Licence, prior to the load shedding required during the night peak.” the report said.