Unable to provide uninterrupted power supply with ongoing fuel crisis: CEB Engineers’ Union

Although the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to have power interruptions for three months, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers' Union (CEBEU) said that it is unable to provide uninterrupted power supply in the face of the ongoing fuel crisis, CEBEU President Anil Ranjith said.

According to him, the disputes between the Commission and the CEBEU have worsened since the PUCSL's decision.

Mr. Ranjith requested consumers to use electricity sparingly as water levels had gone down considerably in power generating reservoirs.

"We have enough coal stocks until next August. No sufficient fuel stocks have been received yet at the Kelanitissa Power Station (KPS). If the water levels of the reservoirs are low, we will have to face huge issues," Mr. Ranjith added.

Meanwhile, a discussion was held with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) commissioners to reduce the daily electricity usage, which is currently at 49GWh to 40GWh (Gigawatt hours).

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said the discussion was held based on a claim which had been informed by the CEB. The CEB said that the compulsory procedures announced by the PUCSL to provide a continuous power supply were not practical.

While answering a journalist, Mr. Ratnayake said that if the CEB says that they are unable to stick to the plan proposed by the PUCSL, that is their problem and they should look after it. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)