CEB assures uninterrupted power supply

25 March 2016 09:00 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has curtailed hydro power generation at some of the plants because of the the prevailing dry spell but will not lead to constant power cuts, Chairman Anura Wijepala said.

He said consumers need not panic because the CEB was capable of providing an uninterrupted power supply.

Mr. Wijepala said the drought which is wreaking havoc in the country has drastically reduced the water levels in almost all the hydro-power generating reservoirs and that currently only one-fifth of the total demand is generated by these plants as opposed to the 40% to 45% generated under normal conditions.

"Electricity demand in the country is met by nine thermal power stations, 15 large hydro- power stations and 15 wind farms, with a smaller share from small hydro facilities and solar power," Mr. Wijepala said. “The problem we have been confronted with right now, is that the hydro-power generation has dropped to 22% of the total capacity and the gap has to be filled by Private Power Providers (PPP) which costs the CEB dearly."

The water levels have drastically reduced at reservoirs in Broadland, Canyon, Castlereagh, Laxapana, Norton, Mausakelle and Bowatenna, Deduruoya, Moragahakanda, Kotmale, Polgolla, Rantambe, Randenigala, Upper Kotmale, Victoria and Kukuleganga that come under the Mahaweli Authority, which the CEB utilizes for power generation. In some reservoirs the water level has dropped to more than 40% of the total capacity.

‘The Mahaweli Authority gives priority to release water for drinking and agricultural purposes and only then releases water for power generation. For instance, the CEB does not use the Rantembe reservoir for power generation for about two weeks, as the water has to be released for the Yala Season,” Mr. Wijepala said. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 9

patriot Friday, 25 March 2016 11:58 PM

Now the Chairman is talking like a politician. Get the power from the moon or what?

Top Cat Saturday, 26 March 2016 07:47 AM

Privatising is the need of the hour, not darkness. Start with the CEB. Decentralise the management based on districts. The quick remedy to the present power crisis.

Lucky Saturday, 26 March 2016 08:29 AM

Not sure this person is capable of running a company of the magnitude of CEB. These are all talks no one will believe. if there is a power failure today you will see another excuse.

Parani Saturday, 26 March 2016 08:55 AM

Until when? ...... lol

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 26 March 2016 09:44 AM

We thought he has resigned? Take an example from Belgium.

Ravi Saturday, 26 March 2016 10:06 AM

Good Finally you got pay raise correct Sir.

AnaMalu Saturday, 26 March 2016 10:10 AM

The CEB management and the engineers have shown that they are inefficient as up to now, there is no explanation as to the cause of the islandwide power failure. Why? They do not know. Sell the CEB to a company that can manage the network and fire the present lot.

Ravi Saturday, 26 March 2016 11:16 AM

Sir we are poor people who are suffering in this country shame on all of you God Please help us.

politician Saturday, 26 March 2016 11:51 AM

Don't you know that the post of Chairman to the CEB are all political appointees. It was only "those" days when the chairman post was held by retired CEB General Managers who were experieced engineers - Even so for post of Secretary of the Power Mininstry - NOw we believe in square pegs in round holes

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CEB assures uninterrupted power supply

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