Govt. to purchase 500MW from private sector - Ravi

A decision has been taken to purchase 500MW of electricity from the private sector, says Minister of Power, Energy and Business Development Ravi Karunanayake.

The decision was taken as a solution to end the ongoing power interruptions, he has further said.

Minister Karunanayake stated this addressing a meeting held with the heads of media companies at the ministry this morning (08).

Commenting further he said he would not allow the hike of domestic electricity consumption bills as the Ceylon Electricity Board was sustained on the domestic sector thus far.

Stating that his only need is to generate electricity at a minimum price and to facilitate people with its benefits, Minister Karunanayake said he would make the best possible efforts to reduce the electricity consumption bill by 2021.

The minister further commented that he can assure there will be no power interruptions following April 10th.

“We have rejected the emergency electricity purchase. Even the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineer’s Union said there is no requirement for such purchase.” The Minister said they were to resort to emergency purchase due to the malfunctions occurred in the barges and at the Norochcholai power plant.

He further said they would increase the reserve margin from 10% to 25% in order to provide electricity until the Vesak festival without interruptions.

Following the increase in reserve margin, an additional low-cost electricity purchase of 500MW will be made after obtaining the Cabinet approval, the Minister said.