Boost for electricity generation, distribution

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The electricity transmission system will be upgraded parallel to the development of the country’s electricity generation to provide consumers with a quality, reliable and uninterrupted power supply.

According to the ‘Mahinda Chinthana - Vision for the Future’, this transmission development program consists of the expansion of transmission lines, augmentation of grid substations and other transmission facilities.

The transmission system will be upgraded to facilitate the absorption of the electricity generated by renewable energy sources to the national grid.

As mentioned in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ development policy framework, a total investment of Rs. 146,473 million is expected to be made between 2011 and 2020 to develop the transmission system.

The new transmission facilities will be established to absorb the power which will be generated by the new plants.

All households in the country will be provided with electricity through an accelerated electricity distribution system by the end of 2012. Steps will also be taken to develop and improve medium and low voltage networks to provide a quality, reliable and uninterrupted power supply, a Government spokesman told the Sunday Observer.

For the convenience of consumers, a new electricity connection will be provided within 24 hours upon request. The existing distribution network in Urban Council areas will be replaced with an underground system that ensures more protection to the system and the environment, he said.

He said system losses will be reduced to 13 percent by 2016 and to 12 percent by 2020. Electricity network studies will be conducted for this purpose. Commercial losses will be reduced by improving efficiency with an improved management system.Meanwhile, 20 percent of the electricity supply is expected to be generated through renewable energy by 2020. Sufficient investments will be made on the development of the renewable energy sector with wind, dendro, solar and mini hydro powerplants.