No power cuts for A/L students’ sake: Ministry

Tuesday, 26 July 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ministry of Power and Energy yesterday reiterated that there was no power cuts in the country. Releasing a press statement the Ministry remarked that even though the water levels in the reservoirs in the catchment areas had dwindled due to the dry weather that prevailed during the past few weeks, this situation will not affect the power supply.

Accordingly by Sunday the water level of Castlereigh stood at M 12.53, Mausakale M 15.02, Kothmale M 30.53, Victoria M 31.16, Randenigala M 15.94 and Samanalawewa M 27.16. Currently hydro power meets only 24% of the total power requirement. The Ministry further stated that some media were spreading false rumours that the Laxapana reservoir is at spill level and the sluice gates have been opened. However this is totally false, whereas the sluice gates are opened about 2 inches for around 5 minutes in order to ease the pressure within the power station.

According to the Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka, although hydro power generation is at its lower level due to the lack of rains, the CEB will not impose power cuts taking into consideration the plight of students gearing up for the GCE A/L examinations. Due to the low hydro power generating capacity Thermal Power generation is operating at peak capacity. Furthermore it is required to add to the national grid the high cost thermal power especially during the peak times between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Therefore the Minister of Power and Energy earnestly requests the public to conserve electricity at this critical time, especially during the peak hours from 6 p.m. to 10 pm.