Minister of Power Kanchana Wijesekera says a programme is underway to provide a continuous supply of electricity.
Minister Wijesekera speaking in Parliament today said that at present three-and-a-half-hour power cuts are being imposed daily adding that they hope to reduce the power cut duration from today to two hours and 15 minutes.
The Energy Minister said the government has tabled a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Electricity Board to impose power cuts according to a new schedule.
He added accordingly the government proposes imposing two-hour-and-15-minute power cuts at a stretch between 6am and 5pm for three consecutive days, and to impose two-hour-and-15-minute power cuts the next three days between 5pm and 9pm.
The Minister noted that the government is able save Rs.400 million daily through the imposition of power cuts that would usually be directed towards diesel to generate power.
The Minister also stated that the CEB incurs a cost of Rs.47.18 per unit to generate power.
The Minister said diesel and furnace oil generation costs Rs.67.15 per unit, while at times diesel generation exceeds Rs.100 per unit.
He noted that the lowest cost incurred is through hydro power generation that amounts to Rs.4.17 per unit. The Minister said renewable energy costs Rs.16.69 per unit, and coal Rs.31.19 per unit.
The Minister of Power said the country is in possession of coal till September adding that next year however USD 900 million will be required to purchase coal.
Minister Wijesekera said the CEB has proposed a revision in electricity tariffs adding that it will not be a complete amendment.
