Energy conservation should be continued - Minister

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has again called upon the country's 4.3 million electricity consumers to focus special attention on energy conservation not only during the peak hours between 6.30 - 9.30 pm daily, but even during off peak hours.

Energy conservation not only benefits consumers, but also the Government in expending millions of rupees on thermal power plants.

Minister Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that though the water levels in the major hydro-power reservoirs have dropped drastically, the Government will not impose power cuts due to the drought. He said the CEB loses Rs. 200 million daily by running thermal power plants.

The Minister said the failure of inter-monsoonal and monsoon rains resulted in the drop in water levels in the hydro power reservoirs.

Minister Ranawaka said that only Sri Lanka provides a 24-hour electricity supply at reasonable rates.

He called upon people to be cautious over the current power situation and asked them to minimise using high voltage home appliances and bulbs at their residences, gardens, offices, streets and business premises during peak hours and non peak-hours.

According to a spokesman for the Ceylon Electricity Board 2,000 MWs of electricity are consumed during peak hours.

The Minister also called upon all emergency places in the country such as hospitals, police stations, security service stations and others to use power sparingly and help in the Government's `Energy Saving Program'.