Use power sparingly, Minister appeals

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Power and Energy Ministry has warned the 4.3 million electricity consumers in the country to be cautious over the current power situation in the country and warned them to minimise the use of high voltage home appliances, bulbs in their gardens, offices, streets and business premises during the peak hours between 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm.

According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), 2000 mw of electricity is consumed in Sri Lanka during the peak hours.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that if consumers could follow the CEB instructions, the country could save about eight billion rupees.

The Minister requested emergency services in the country such as hospitals, police stations and security service stations to make arrangements to use power sparingly during the peak hours and help the Government's `Energy Saving Program'.

He said a special meeting in this regard will be conducted in Colombo on Tuesday to educate the public on the power supply issue.

The Minister also focused on frequent power failures due to heavy winds and rains and the falling of trees and branches on power lines and deaths due to electrocution.

He requested the public to inform the CEB branch offices in their areas to cut down such trees and branches to avoid extensive damage to the domestic electricity network.