PUCSL nod for daily power cuts from today

• 800 MW supply not connected to national grid currently 
• Customers neglect Rs. 43 b due payments to CEB
• PUCSL Chief suggests to make use of 2,000 MW State and private generators to overcome the national power crisis

By Charumini de Silva 

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Rathnayake yesterday said that verbal approval had been granted to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for scheduled power cuts from today.

“On Friday evening (7), the CEB requested PUCSL approval to downsize the power supply by one to two hours, citing that 800 MW supply is currently not connected to the nation grid due to multiple reasons. After considering their reasons, we gave the verbal approval and the official letter will be sent to CEB today,” PUCSL Chairman told the Daily FT.

Some of the key reasons for the massive 800 MW breakdown in supply include plant repairs, fuel shortage, increased electricity demand, the foreign exchange crisis and insufficient renewable power supply during night-time peak hours. This also include a combined power shortage of 550 MW at Kerawalapitiya and Yugadanavi due to repairs.

Rathnayake claimed that customers were also liable for the power outage that will come into effect from today. “A colossal amount to the tune of Rs. 43 billion is defaulted by customers of the CEB. These are all accumulated debts that customers have neglected to pay since the outbreak of COVID-pandemic. In that context, the CEB is also faced with financial issues, to purchase sufficient stocks of fuel from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). It is a vicious cycle and has ripple effect on the entire economy,” he explained.

Noting that State-owned and privately-owned generators collectively have 2,000 MWs at present, PUCSL Chief suggested it was the best time to make use of it to overcome the national power crisis.