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.
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