No Power Cuts If Fuel Released As Expected - Says Minister

Media Info

Shakila Ifham

January 17, 2022

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would be forced go for power shedding if the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation fails to release fuel stocks, a senior government official said.

Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said that if they don’t get the green light from the CPC, the Ceylon Electricity Board will have to take a decision on power cuts.

He said that he was assured that third unit of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, which was out of order due to a breakdown, would be restored by January 22, adding 300 MW to the national grid.

However, Earthlanka learns it would take more time and ideally the plant would contribute before the end of January.

Minister Lokuge also said there were issues with hydropower generation due to the prevailing drought and added that Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa had assured last week to provide continuous water supply to the hydro-power stations until the prevailing crisis was resolved.

“Water in the reservoirs has to be released for drinking purposes and irrigation purposes as well. We had a discussion with Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa last week and he assured continuous water supply to hydro-power stations until the present crisis is over,” Lokuge stressed.