Power cuts not imminent

by Lalin Fernandopulle

Power and Energy Minister John Seneviratne said that power cuts will not be imposed immediately due to the prevailing drought and that certain power plants that were not functioning have been repaired and put into operation.

He said with the setting up of the AES thermal power plant generating 150 MW at Kelanitissa shortly and the other power plants the acute shortage of power in the country could be minimised to a certain extent and the immediate need to impose power cuts will not arise. The AES thermal power plant was scheduled to commence operation yesterday.

"We cannot be complacent in the long run because if the drought continues for a long period then we may not get the power from the hydro power plants," Seneviratne said. The water levels in many reservoirs in the catchment areas have dropped sharply due to the dry weather conditions prevailing throughout the country.

The Minister said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) might be compelled to impose power cuts during peak hours and called upon the public to use power at a minimum level and help the national cause of saving power during the time of crisis.

He said that he would take stern action against state institutions that use electricity in an irresponsible manner and waste public funds during this critical period. Small Hydro Power Suppliers' Association President, Dr. Nishantha Nanayakkara said the use of costly emergency diesel power to offset the power shortage is not a viable solution.

The government will have to expedite power generation at Kerawalapitiya, Upper Kotmale and the Norochcholai power plants and promote the generation of hydro power if the country is to avert a major power crisis next year.

Private investors should get involved in the power sector since the CEB is unable to cope with the crisis. More grid substations and expansion are vital to generate electricity, he said.