PUCSL warns CEB of legal action for unannounced load shedding

• Despite assurance from electricity regulator, several parts in the country experience power outages 
• PUCSL Chief Janaka Ratnayake reiterates no approval given for load shedding 
• CEB officials say power outages experienced were due to non-availability of fuel
• Brandix, MAS, Omega Line take prompt action to ease load on national grid, activate stand-by generators at factories
• Power Minister Gamini Lokuge says electricity tariff will not be increased in near future

By Charumini de Silva

The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) yesterday warned the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) of legal action for alleged misconduct, as several parts in the country experienced load shedding despite reassurance by the

PUCSL Chairman  Janaka Ratnayake

electricity regulator of uninterrupted supply.

“The CEB has not requested approval for scheduled power outages on 3 February. If any such disruption to the power supply has occurred, it will be dealt with as per the provisions of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act,” PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said. However, CEB officials said the Kelanitissa power plant stopped working as it ran out of fuel. This claim was despite the Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila on Wednesday assuring that required quantities of fuel will be supplied to the CEB.

The assurance came in with the intervention of the PUCSL to coordinate between CPC and CEB to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Given the current energy crisis, PUCSL Chief told the Daily FT that top apparel companies – Brandix, MAS and Omega Line have come forward to support efforts of the Government to lessen the burden on the national grid.

“The three giant appeal companies have assured their support to take prompt action to run their stand-by generators in factories during peak hours of 6 to 9 p.m. yesterday. Their intervention is greatly appreciated during the prevailing situation,” Ratnayake said.

Despite the electricity regulator’s suggestions to increase tariffs to ensure financial viability of CEB, the Power Minister Gamini Lokuge yesterday said that electricity tariffs will not be increased anytime soon.