- Conserve energy at all times
- Use energy-efficient electrical appliances
- Legal reforms are needed with clear standards related to energy efficiency
Amid dry weather conditions and growing pressure on fuel supplies due to tensions in the Middle East, energy authorities including the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) have assured the public that an uninterrupted electricity supply will be maintained, but have urged consumers to use electricity more carefully and shift usage away from peak hours to reduce fuel consumption.
The electricity demand has remained at high levels in recent weeks, reaching close to record figures, largely due to increased usage during the dry season. The SEA noted recently that hydropower reserves are being carefully managed and conserved until the arrival of the next monsoon, with solar power helping to support daytime generation. However, meeting the electricity demand during evening peak hours continues to require significant fuel use, making public cooperation essential to ease pressure on the system.
In an interview with The Daily Morning, SEA Chairperson, academic physicist Prof. T.M. Wijendra Jayalath Bandara spoke about the importance of energy conservation, the role of consumers in managing the electricity demand, and the long-term steps needed to strengthen energy sustainability and reduce reliance on fuel-based power generation.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
How can energy sustainability be defined in normal conditions and in a crisis situation like this?
In normal conditions, energy sustainability means providing energy in a way that is economically viable, environmentally responsible, and reliable over a long period of time. However, in a crisis like this, the focus shifts. In such situations, priority is given to energy security, the stability of supply, and reducing risks linked to imports. During a crisis, energy sustainability and energy security become closely connected concepts. At the same time, priority must be given to providing energy at a low cost and without interruptions. A crisis situation like this can actually be described as a golden opportunity to strengthen energy sustainability. For example, certain decisions that are difficult to take under normal circumstances can be taken more quickly during a crisis. In such situations, the public, policymakers, and the Government begin to understand the risks of relying too heavily on imported fuel. This makes it easier to introduce policies and projects at a faster pace. People also become more aware of how they use energy. They are encouraged to move towards practices that help save energy. Simply put, this creates a good opportunity to manage energy consumption more carefully. A crisis is not only a challenge; it can also lead to solutions.
You recently mentioned the steps that people should take at this time, such as turning off bulbs and changing consumption patterns. Are there any other steps in addition to these?
Turning off light bulbs is only one step. Apart from that, there are many actions that people can take. One important point is the use of energy-efficient electrical appliances. For example, electric bulbs that were used in the past consumed much more electricity. However, the bulbs used today are designed to save energy to a significant extent. The prices of ordinary electrical appliances are sometimes lower than those of energy-efficient appliances. However, in the long run, consumers benefit more from the reduction in electricity bills that comes from using energy-efficient appliances than from the initial lower price of ordinary appliances. We have already introduced a rating system to classify energy-efficient electrical appliances. These ratings are given from one star up to five stars. Appliances with four and five stars have a high level of energy efficiency. They may cost slightly more, but, using them provides considerable financial benefits to consumers over time. In addition to that, people can move towards energy generation methods such as solar panels in the long term. Any action taken to reduce electricity consumption, especially during peak hours, is extremely important in a situation like this. We also encourage people to use public transportation whenever possible. There is another important matter to consider. Many electrical appliances used daily are not fully switched off after use and remain connected to the power supply. Even when the television is not being watched, some people leave it on standby instead of switching it off completely using the main power switch. Mobile phone chargers are also often left plugged in even after the phones are fully charged. If these devices are properly switched off and unplugged after use, it would be very useful. Although the amount of electricity saved from a single action may appear small, if everyone in the country follows these practices, the total amount of electricity saved can become quite significant.
Has there been any change in the people's electricity consumption patterns following the requests to use electricity more economically, according to the current data?
In fact, during the first few days after making these requests, we didn’t observe a decrease in electricity consumption. Instead, there was a slight increase. We identified hot weather conditions and festive activities as the main reasons for this increase. At present, there has been a certain reduction in electricity consumption. However, it has not yet reached a level that can be considered fully satisfactory. There is still a strong need to reduce electricity consumption, particularly during peak hours. Reducing electricity use during peak periods should become a regular habit. In addition, people should be encouraged to conserve energy not only during crisis periods but also during normal times. Programmes that support this approach should be further strengthened and expanded. Public awareness programmes on energy conservation and the use of energy-efficient electrical appliances should be carried out on a continuous basis. It would also be useful to introduce programmes that identify consumers who use energy in a responsible and sustainable manner and provide them with some form of incentive.
Countries like Sri Lanka, which are dependent on fossil fuels, are constantly facing such challenging situations. How do you see it?
Countries that depend heavily on fossil fuels face serious difficulties during crisis situations like this. The situation that prevails at present makes that reality even clearer. That is why it is important for us to move towards energy independence instead of relying heavily on imported fuels. In particular, we should make the best possible use of our local resources. Adequate facilities should be installed to store electricity generated through sources such as sunlight and wind. Fossil fuels should be used only when it becomes unavoidable. At all other times, electricity generation should rely more on renewable energy sources.
What is your opinion on the progress that has been achieved in the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka so far?
We have achieved positive progress in this sector. In particular, when it comes to solar energy, we have installed a capacity of about 2,800 megawatts. Hydroelectric power plants have already been constructed by making use of all reservoirs that can be used for that purpose. Construction work on wind farms is also currently underway. However, this work needs to be planned and implemented at a faster pace. All related activities are being carried out in line with our long-term power generation plan. There can be delays in some projects due to legal matters that arise during the approval process. Even so, overall progress is continuing at a pace that meets our requirements. In fact, over the past few years, the addition of renewable energy to the electricity system has taken place at a higher capacity than what was originally included in our generation plan.
How does energy sustainability affect agricultural sustainability and food security?
Energy sustainability, agriculture, and food security are closely connected. In particular, water stored in reservoirs used for hydroelectric power generation is also used for agricultural purposes. If excessive amounts of water are used for electricity generation, it can create difficulties for agricultural activities. Because of this, agriculture is always given priority. We are also planning to introduce pumped storage systems in the future. These systems may have some impact on agricultural activities. Therefore, such projects must be carried out only after proper assessments and detailed studies. If we look at the broader connection between these sectors, any disruption to the electricity supply can affect cold storage facilities. This would have consequences across the entire food chain, from food production and packaging units to the retail outlets that sell these products. Such a situation is not expected to occur in our country, but, it clearly shows that energy security and food security are closely interrelated.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has been restructured. Can we expect a positive change in the energy sector through this?
The CEB was divided into several separate companies. This restructuring is expected to bring several advantages. It will help improve the efficiency of each institution, create better financial discipline, and improve the quality of services provided to consumers. These benefits are already becoming clear, even if the restructuring process concluded a short time ago.
What legal and policy reforms should be made regarding energy security and consumption?
Legal reforms are definitely needed in this sector. Their importance becomes even more evident during crisis situations like the one that we are experiencing now. Our country has many renewable energy resources, and the process of connecting energy generated from those sources to the national grid must be accelerated. This should begin with speeding up the process of granting the required permits. Both short-term and long-term strategies must be introduced to achieve this. In addition, clear standards related to energy efficiency must be introduced. Legal measures should be strengthened to prevent the import of electrical appliances that have low energy efficiency. Although steps have already been taken in this direction, these efforts must be further strengthened. It is also important to update legal provisions related to grid access so that they match present-day requirements.
What is meant by energy conservation? Is it happening in Sri Lanka?
Energy conservation means using the energy that has been generated in an efficient manner without unnecessary waste. This can be achieved through methods such as using highly energy-efficient electrical appliances and improving the energy efficiency of institutions. For example, we have already introduced guidelines that help maintain high levels of energy efficiency within public and private institutions. In addition, we train energy managers for certain institutions. They work to improve the energy efficiency of their respective institutions. These concepts have also been introduced into the school curriculum. We conduct training sessions for teachers who teach these subjects. We have already made plans to train about 1,000 teachers during this year. In addition to this, we recognise institutions that demonstrate sound energy management practices through an annual award programme. There are plans to expand these programmes further.
What is your opinion on energy waste management?
When it comes to energy waste management, hydroelectric power generation does not produce a significant amount of waste. However, waste-related concerns can arise in coal-based power generation. In addition, waste may be generated from battery storage systems and solar panels. At present, this does not pose a serious problem because these systems are designed to operate over long periods of time. Normally, before any project is started, an environmental assessment report is obtained. Through that process, solutions are identified to address waste-related issues that may arise.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication