PUCSL sets framework to avoid power shortages in Q1 2017

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) in its latest power supply situation report for the first quarter of 2017 has warned the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to get all three generators of the Norochcholai power plant in working order by 1 January, limit hydro dispatch and streamline fuel for thermal plants to avoid power shortages. 

PUCSL, which is the regulator of the State-run CEB, issued the warning after observing the risks in December that included only two of three generators at the Lakvijaya coal power plant being in working condition. Other red flags included the possibility of inadequate rainfall, which would mean that water released for hydro power generation would have to be controlled to stretch out supplies till April when the next round of monsoon rains are expected, and reduced furnace oil production at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery.

“Due to curtailed oil generation during the first week of December, average hydro power dispatch (excluding run of the river plants) had exceeded 6 GWh/day. 

If this continues hydro reservoirs will be insufficient in April 2017,” the report warned. 

Even with full availability of thermal power plants, about 550 MW of hydro power contribution is essential to meet the night peak demand. Based on past trends, there will be no rainfall until the end of April, the report warned. Hence, the daily major hydro dispatch level is required to be kept below about 6 GWh/day in average, to ensure the availability of hydro reservoirs until the end of April.

“Under this condition, the loss of thermal generation capacity in the system can withstand without requiring power cuts will be 560 MW in January. Due to demand growth, this will reduce to 500 MW in February and 350 MW in March.”

“Hence, it is required to ensure that Unit 1 of the coal power plant resumes generation on January 1, 2017,” the report went onto note. 

Additionally, PUCSL emphasised the need to ensure continuous fuel availability for oil fired power plants.

“Sufficient imports of low sulphur furnace oil and availability of fuel transportation to west coast power plant. Continuous furnace oil supply from Sapugaskanda refinery and sufficient production of Naphtha and diesel as well as availability of fuel transportation to power plants in Kalanithissa,” were also recommended in the report.