Pay your power bills by Dec. 15, consumers told

by Ananda Kannangara

The Ministry of Power and Energy yesterday cautioned private and domestic electricity consumers to settle their dues before next Thursday, December 15, if they do not pay the supply will thereafter be disconnected without further notice.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the country's four major electricity users such as five percent State departments, 40 percent local government institutions, 55 percent private sector establishments and domestic consumers have to pay dues worth a record sum of Rs. 1,689 million to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) up to September this year.

Minister Ranawaka said although strict measures will be taken against defaulters, it is not possible to disconnect the power connections to key government places, such as hospitals and institutions which are come under the Defence and Education Ministries, considering the invaluable service rendered by these sectors.

He said at this crucial moment when a severe drought prevails in certain catchment areas, the CEB urgently needs a large sum of money for the smooth functioning of thermal power stations in order to prevent a power cut.

A senior Ministry spokesman said that steps have also been taken to encash money orders that have been sent to the CEB Head office by electricity consumers living in far away areas.