PUCSL approves nearly 5-hour power cuts today

Electricity regulator the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved rotational power cuts to be imposed today, amidst the energy crisis.

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said a four-hour and 40-minute power cut will be imposed in areas designated as A, B, and C, whilst a four-hour and 30-minute power cut will be imposed in other areas.

These power cuts are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. from time-to-time throughout the country. 

Accordingly, 4,000 tons of fuel is required daily to generate electricity. Ratnayake said last night that only 1,000 tons of the daily requirement have been supplied for power generation today.

He also pointed out that a shortage of 2,000 tons of fuel was experienced yesterday and as a result, 550 MW power plants were shut down.

“If the shortage continues, they are compelled to withdraw 750 MW from the national grid,” Ratnayake said.