PUCSL approves over 7-hour power cuts today

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake

• PUCSL Chief Janaka Rathnayake explains long hours due to unavailability of fuel to operate 300 MW thermal plant

Electricity regulator, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved the request made by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to shed power supply for over seven hours in several parts of the country today as well.

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake explained that they had to approve the increased number of hours request by the CEB, due to unavailability of fuel to operate 300 MW thermal plant.

For areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and L there will be a five-hour power cut between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and a two hour and 30 minute power cut between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

In addition, for areas P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W there will be a five-hour electricity disruption between 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. and a two-hour and 15 minute power cut between 6.30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

However, the latest announcement comes in just after days, the PUCSL Chief said they were exploring to reduce daily power cuts to below four hours, whilst the Government had repeatedly pledged to provide uninterrupted supply from 5 March on a weekly basis.