The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has issued a directive expressing its grave concerns to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), over the delay in constructing the power plants according to the approved Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP).

“The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka approved the LCLTGEP on 15th of September 2016 and it is the sole responsibility of the Transmission licensee to adhere to approved LCLTGEP and take immediate steps to implement it, given the criticality of the power supply during 2017-2020.” PUCSL said in its strongly worded reply letter on Friday (18).

PUCSL approved the LCLTGEP to ensure the future electricity demand is fulfilled and directed the transmission licensee to immediately construct and operate the power plant(s) for the period of 2017 – 2020, as per the approved plan to avoid the possible power issues during the period.

However, the latest communication from CEB to PUCSL shows that there is an enormous time gap with the implementation plan compared to approved LCLTGEP.

Critical plants for the period of 2017-2020 have been delayed up to two years from the LCLTGEP which ultimately result in not meeting the country’s timely required electricity demand and may create issues to the continuation of supply of electricity throughout the country.

“Delay in implementation of the power plants from the approved LCLTGEP will result in failure to meet the electricity demand during 2017-2020 period,” PUCSL said.

Accordingly, PUCSL issued a directive to Transmission And Bulk Supply Licensee No EL/T/09-002 (CEB) to submit the requested information on or before 29th November 2016