Power conservation – LG bodies respond positively
by Ananda Kannangara
The Local Government Ministry has responded positively to the
Government’s ‘Electricity Conservation Program’ by directing all local
bodies to switch off additional street lights and refrain from using
high voltage street lights. Accordingly, local authorities countrywide
have taken steps not only to switch off additional street lights and
replace low voltage street bulbs, but also to keep a close tab on street
lights kept on even after 6.00 a.m.
Most employees in Local Government bodies had switched off street
lights in their areas at the correct time even prior to the Power and
Energy Ministry making the electricity conservation announcement last
week.
Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A. L. M. Athaulla
told the Sunday Observer that he would closely monitor street lights
being kept on after 6.00 a.m. in several areas including Colombo and the
suburbs and take stern action against those responsible. Meanwhile,
Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka last week called upon
4.3 million electricity consumers in the country to take note of the
current power crisis and asked them to minimise using high voltage home
appliances and bulbs in their residences, gardens, offices, streets and
business premises during the peak hour between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.
According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), 2000 mws of
electricity is consumed at present in Sri Lanka during the peak hours
between 6.30 and 9.30 p.m. and if consumers comply with the CEB
instructions the country could save Rs. 8 billion of the national
income. The Minister also called upon all hospitals, police stations,
and security service stations to use power carefully during the peak
hours and help the Government’s `Energy Saving Program’.
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