Renewable energy generation plan from June 1: Minister

A rapid renewable energy generation plan will be put to effect from June 1 and the expenses incurred on fuel for power generation has exceeded USD $100 million per month.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said. Addressing a meeting yesterday, he said an average cost per unit to generate power has gone up to Rs. 48.

Therefore, a decision has been taken to convert the government industries, hospitals, hotels, and other roof spaces to install solar panels, the Minister said.

"With tariff rates, changes proposed to the current electricity bill will triple in most of the above sectors," he said.

The above mentioned institutions can invest the the amount they pay as electricity bill at present, on solar panels monthly to the solar power companies to lessen the burden on their institutes and also CEB grid, Minister Wijesekara said.

He said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) can manage the hydro and thermal power plants to be used during the night time to reduce power generating cost.

Meanwhile, he said a provisional approval to be granted immediately for proposed projects. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)