No immediate power cuts
By Uditha Kumarasinghe and Anurangi Singh
Refuting speculations, Power and Renewable Energy Minister Ranjith
Siyambalapitiya said, no decision has been taken to impose power cuts on
account of the current dry spell in the country.
There is no necessity to impose power cuts at this juncture as the
Ministry is in a position to manage with current water levels in
reservoirs. At present, water levels in reservoirs have dropped to some
extent, but we maintain a near 50 percent level, the Minister told the
Sunday Observer, yesterday.
Nevertheless, we are ahead when we compare the September figures with
those of the past few years, as we have over 50 percent water resources
in our reservoirs, the Minister said. Meanwhile, sources at the
Norochcholai Coal Power Plant told the Sunday Observer, that currently
the coal power plant continues to provide electricity to the national
grid even after peak hours.
Speaking in anonymity, the source went on to say; “Usually we provide
electricity during peak hours, and then de-load during off-peak, and
balance the remaining consumption with hydro power. But, these days the
hydro capacity has reduced, hence, Norochcholai continues to provide
electricity 24 hours. Now, we run 900 megawatts in full capacity.”
Peak hours are considered to be from 4 in the evening to 10 in the
night, when electricity consumption is at its highest. If Norochcholai
was not in action, daily power cuts of at least 6 hours or more per day
would be indubitable.
However, the Minister called upon the people to consume electricity
economically. Meteorologists are optimistic the country will experience
September rains in October. At the moment, we hardly feel the need to
impose power cuts, the Minister said. |