The second generator of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant will be shut down for maintenance from tonight (17).
Co-Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Engineers Union Eranga Kudahewa said the maintenance will be completed in 75 days from today.
Commenting on the impact the maintenance will have on power disruptions, Kudahewa said the maintenance is overdue over two years adding it was postponed due to travel restrictions on the manufacturer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kudahewa said it was essential for the maintenance to be carried out adding that all efforts will taken to fast-track the maintenance while ensuring there will be no extended power disruptions.
Kudahewa however said in order to maintain power disruptions at three hours and 20 minutes, sufficient stocks of diesel and crude oil will be required.
However, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera believes that shutting down a single generator of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, will not increase the duration of power cuts.
The Minister pointed out that a deficit of approximately 300 Megawatts lost due to the power plant shutting down, could be covered through the increased output of hydropower stations and other coal power plants.
