Electricity distribution process to be upgraded

by Mohammed NAALIR

The Power and Energy Ministry plans to introduce a smart grid system in the electricity distribution process throughout the contry with a prepaid meter system introduced to certain areas, power and energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. Addressing the media at the Ministry auditorium, Minister Ranawaka said plans are afoot to introduce a power communication system with distribution lines, which is more productive and efficient, to communicate information relating to the power supply process. Information relating to the prepaid system could also be obtained through this system.

Minister Ranawaka said consumers also have to bear the cost of losses taking place in the electricity supply process.Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO) distributes electricity to certain main cities on the Western coastal belt between Negombo and Galle, General manager, LECO Prof. Susantha Perera said.

The need for an additional institution in the power supply grid was felt before the 1980s as certain urban councils failed to settle the electricity bills and the burden to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) became severe. The LECO and CEB both charge the same amount from consumers.

He said LECO has introduced an electricity meter manufacturing project in Sri Lanka on the decision of the Government. The technical know-how for the project comes from a Chinese firm.

LECO runs a manufacturing plant in Bandaragama. Prof. Perera said that LECO intends to introduce a digital meter system for consumers.

Moves are under way to introduce prepaid meters to consumers in certain areas, Prof. Perera said.