The Ceylon Electricity Board says it could impose power cuts from Tuesday, if sufficient stocks of furnace oil are not made available for power plants.
Acting General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board MN Susantha Perera said the decision on imposing power cuts will be taken based on the stocks of furnace oil, the CEB will receive today and tomorrow.
The matter was revealed during a special media briefing convened by the CEB today.
The Acting CEB General Manager said there are no concerns about power outages today and tomorrow but power cuts could be imposed from Tuesday.
Susantha Perera said the general public will be notified in advance, if power cuts are imposed.
He said the diesel stocks received BY the Kelanitissa Power Station will be adequate for only five and a half days.
The Acting CEB General Manager said they also received furnace oil stocks to be used at the Sapugaskanda, Uthuru Janani and the Barge Mounted Power Stations.
He said however the stocks received by the Sapugaskanda Power Station ran out at noon today.
He said therefore the National Grid will not receive the 100MW of power generated through the Sapugaskanda Power Plant.
Susantha Perera noted if they do not receive any more stocks, it is likely that 30-minute power cuts could be imposed on Monday adding they will be compelled to impose planned power cuts from Tuesday.
Acting General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board MN Susantha Perera said however if they are able to secure furnace oil stocks, then power cuts will not be required for now.
He added that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has informed them that they only have 1,500 MT furnace oil in their possession.
The Acting CEB General Manager said since the CPC has an agreement with the Yugadanavi Power Plant, the available stock will not be given to the CEB.
He said the CPC will send the limited stocks to the Yugadanavi Power Plant. Susantha Perera said another ship carrying furnace oil is expected only in March.
He said even then they will receive the stocks if authorities manage to release US dollars for the Letters of Credit that have been opened. Susantha Perera added the furnace oil stock that will be given to the Yugadanavi Power Plant will last for only 10 days.
He said since the third generator of the Norochcholai Power Plant which generates around 300 MW of power will be available from the 28th of this month.
The Acting CEB General Manager said if the Yugadanavi Power Plant halts operation, the CEB will be able to balance the demand from the power generated through Norochcholai Power Plant.
He said however they will not be able to meet the daily demand, since several other power plants will not function.
Susantha Perera noted therefore they will be compelled to impose power cuts.
