Implementing power cuts without prior notice illegal: PUCSL

23 March 2019 05:13 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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It is illegal to implement power cuts without prior approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and informing the general public beforehand, PUCSL Director Corporate Communications Jayanat Herat told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

The PUCSL has written to Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) General Manager Eng. S. D. W. Gunawardana on March 19 on the matter.

Mr. Herat said the Commission has received complaints from consumers all over the country regarding uninformed interruptions to electricity supply on March 18 and 19, 2019.

“The PUCSL has informed the CEB which holds the license for the supply of the electricity that it is required for them to submit a comprehensive report to the Commission on the rotational power cuts that took place from March 18, 2019 on or before April 02, 2019,” Mr. Heart said.

“The report should include causes for the power outages and the actions taken by the CEB to ensure the continuity of supply in future,” Mr. Heart said.

PUCSL has also stressed in the letter that in terms of Condition 30 (10) of the Electricity Transmission Licence No: EL/T/09-002, the CEB needs to obtain prior approval of the PUCSL for every scheduled interruption of electricity supply throughout the Island or major part of the Island irrespective of the cause of the same, other than the interruptions necessary due to maintenance in respect of which prior notice is given to the general public.

In terms of Condition 30 (1) of the Electricity Transmission Licence No: EL/T/09-002, the CEB shall jointly and severally as one of the Licensees ensure that the Licensees will together provide for and maintain a co-ordinated, efficient and economical system of electricity generation, transmission and distribution and supply within Sri Lanka at all times.

Mr. Herat said the CEB has violated condition 30 (1) and 30 (10) of the Electricity Transmission Licence No: EL/T /09-002, by conducting scheduled interruptions throughout the country, without giving prior notice to consumers or without obtaining prior approval of the Commission.

“Hence, the Commission requires the CEB to obtain the approval of the Commission, if it continues to conduct the rotational power cuts, providing the schedule of interruptions with the justification based on present generation and demand,” Mr. Herat added.

Continuous attempts by the Daily Mirror to contact the CEB chairman failed. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 17

Nuwan Saturday, 23 March 2019 05:28 AM

Indeed. unscheduled power interruptions cause a lot of damage to electrical equipment, in particular industrial equipment. Think of small businesses such as rice mills. A power failure means a lot work to cleanup machines and damage.

RuwanL Saturday, 23 March 2019 07:06 AM

We at Nugegoda are experiencing power cut daily for three hours! 2:30 to 5:30pm Please tell us what is the problem?

Sambo Saturday, 23 March 2019 07:35 AM

Thank you sir, for speaking on behalf of the consumers. You also explained the motives behind these power cuts made by money hungry elements.

tikka Saturday, 23 March 2019 07:53 AM

Good to see some agency taking action against impotence and unprofessionalism of at least one public service in the country. Power outages are unheard of in the developed nations as well as in some developing nations, but we're still in the dark ages.

Unchikun Saturday, 23 March 2019 07:56 AM

Nice. It is illegal to walk on the road where there are pavements. It is illegal to spit in public places. It is illegal to pee in public places. It is illegal to toot the horn at will. it is illegal to dump garbage in the road and the list goes on, Have you even spoke on these issue which bother us most.

Buffalo Saturday, 23 March 2019 10:07 AM

PUCSL is like the tail trying to wag the dog. Why dont they dismantle the monstrous monopoly that is the CEB?

Dilky Gunawardene Saturday, 23 March 2019 10:10 AM

We are in a LECO area. When we asked why there are uninformed interruptions to electricity supply from LECO, they say ask CEB. Are you aware that CEB is running at a lost. We consider The PUCSL as a toothless Regulator. In all aspects Sri Lanka is losing its control over Regulation

Leelananda Pilanawithana Saturday, 23 March 2019 11:00 AM

Yesterday Maharagama area has 4 hours hours power cut one from 12.00 to 15.00 hours. Again 1 hour at night from 19.00 hours. But where as Katubedda Moratua does not have single hour power cut. Why this?

Leelananda Pilanawithana Saturday, 23 March 2019 11:09 AM

This government not started to construct a single large scale power plant or even 50 MW one after come to power in 2015.

Spartacus Saturday, 23 March 2019 11:53 AM

Can the public together sue CEB for breaching the laws?

Jan Leon Saturday, 23 March 2019 12:52 PM

In any case why the general public of this country should suffer for inefficencies and mismangement of CEB officials and courrupt politicians. Why solar power cannot promot in this country by making solar power available for a affordable scheme to getway from this pemenent wound of CEB operation.

Ailun Saturday, 23 March 2019 01:58 PM

23/3/2019 power cut in Rajagiriya over 3 hours.

Frustrated consumer Saturday, 23 March 2019 04:25 PM

Power cuts still happening without prior notice. Kotte division. Last morning 3 hrs, evening 2 hours. This morning briefly.

Mohammad Aliwaffa Saturday, 23 March 2019 07:14 PM

Inhumanity act of CEB.

poopalapillai sivapathasuntharam Saturday, 23 March 2019 07:54 PM

what ever the PUCSL comments or instructs to ceb the latter never listens to pucsl.I feel it is not worth giving instructions to ceb instead serious actions to be taken to privatize this service provider.Being a retired person in ceb as well as a ex. consumer commitee member I bet that there can!t be any other solution for this problem.

Mm Saturday, 23 March 2019 08:03 PM

Ravi hora

Rizwan Mohamed Sunday, 24 March 2019 08:10 AM

Up to 22nd March we are facing power cuts in ratmalana area.four to 5 days back Lanka page news said there will be no power cut

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Implementing power cuts without prior notice illegal: PUCSL

Comments - 17

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