PUCSL approves CEB to purchase power from private firms 

• Power and Energy Minister announces shutdown of third plant of Norochcholai due to steam leak
• Claims repair will take around 3-5 days
• Asserts fuel plants will be fully utilised to manage power generation in the interim

The electricity regulator yesterday approved the purchase of electricity from the private sector following the breakdown of the third generator of the Norochcholai Power Plant.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka permitted the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from private plants until the Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.

Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday morning announced that the CEB has informed of the shutdown of the third plant of the Norochcholai due to a steam leak, noting maintenance work is estimated to take three to five days. 

Through PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake earlier said power cuts might be extended due to the breakdown in the third coal power plant in Norochcholai, later he confirmed the usual two hours and 20 minutes power cut will be applied for today, as fuel supplies will be received for power generation.

However, yesterday the PUCSL approved a three-hour power cut, 40 minutes more than usual. 

Minister Wijesekera asserted that fuel plants will be utilised to manage the power generation till Norochcholai repairs are completed.

“The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary diesel, naphtha, and furnace oil stocks to the CEB to maintain power generation without increasing the duration of power cuts from tomorrow,” he tweeted.