Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Friday, 1 April 2022 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday forecasted that the duration of power cuts could be reduced by next week, as a result of the fuel expected via the Indian credit line.
“A shipment of diesel is due to arrive in Colombo on 2 April and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has promised to provide the stock of diesel to the CEB. This is part of the Indian credit line that Sri Lanka sought recently,” CEB Chairman M.C. Ferdinando told journalists at a special media briefing organised by the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday.
Thereby, from tomorrow the CEB expects power cuts to be reduced to less than four hours, he said, adding that Indian Oil Company (IOC) has pledged support to provide 6,000 tons of diesel for power generation purposes.
“If the CEB receives a continuous supply of furnace oil and diesel, power cuts can be brought to an end,” Ferdinando expressed optimism.
The CEB Chairman admitted that they were unable to meet the power demand at present.
“We are faced with greater difficulties on power generation with limited resources, such as water and fuel. The CEB is equipped with necessary machinery to generate power, but it requires certain energy sources. Having only the machines will not be sufficient to generate power,” he added.
The CEB Chairman said majority of power generation at present is being met through coal power generation.
“We have called for eight tenders via a term contract for four tenders and others are via spot tenders. Of that four shipments are due this month, for which CEB needs to pay $ 6 billion. However, we will ensure that we make those payments within the day,” Ferdinando explained.
He also said only 300 MW can be generated through hydro power plants, whilst 800 MW is required in the night time peak hours between 6:30 p.m. and to 10.00 p.m., which he claimed cannot be met.
Ferdinando also stressed that the thermal power plants generates 1,100 MW to the national grid at present, noting that this too is affected due to the shortage of fuel.
