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CEB predicts power shortage

26 Nov 2020

  • Emergency power purchase if necessary
  • Shortage due to lack of firm power
By Maheesha Mudugamuwa  The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) predicted that the country would be facing a power shortage of around 300 MW by February next year. Speaking to The Morning, CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath said the CEB would be purchasing 100 MW of emergency power early next year if necessary to meet the shortage by assessing the situation. “This year, due to the Covid situation, we did not have a shortage as the demand dropped with most of the factories and offices in Colombo closed for nearly three months,” he said, adding that next year, especially during the dry season starting from February, a shortfall of nearly 300 MW is expected.  As he explained, the shortfall is a prediction and with the addition of solar and wind power, the shortfall might be little less than 300 MW.  The reason for the power shortfall is the lack of firm power plants.  When asked how the emergency power would be purchased, Eng. Herath said there were two contracts which have already received Cabinet approval and those two contracts would be signed early next year, if there is a necessity.   


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