• Dry spell risks remain

Sri Lanka’s hydro storage levels have improved to 66.5% following recent rainfall, providing temporary relief to the national power system, but authorities are continuing preparations for possible dry conditions expected early next year, National System Operator (NSO) Chairman Dr. Pradeep Perera said.

Dr. Perera stated that the country’s hydro storage had increased to around 850 GWh, compared to approximately 560 GWh before the recent rains, allowing the system to be managed more reliably until the first week of September.

“The recent rainfall has helped us manage the system in a more stable manner than what was expected previously,” he said.

He said that the period leading up to September had earlier been identified as a critical period based on forecasts, while the scheduled maintenance of a coal power plant had also helped ease pressure on the electricity system.

“One of our coal power plants was given a 40-day maintenance period. With that, we are now at a somewhat comfortable level,” Dr. Perera said.

However, he stressed that the improved storage situation did not eliminate the need for long-term measures, particularly with forecasts indicating possible dry conditions during January, February, and March 2027.

Accordingly, the NSO was moving ahead with planned battery energy storage procurement, including proposals for 250 MW and 150 MW capacity additions, he said.

The NSO Chairman added that a separate proposal by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to introduce a feed-in tariff mechanism was currently under public consultation and was also being considered as a procurement option.

Meanwhile, addressing concerns over increased evaporation due to prevailing high temperatures, Dr. Perera said the impact on overall hydro storage remained limited at present.

“When looking at our total storage and other factors, it is a very small amount at this stage. If this situation continues for several months, there could be a considerable impact,” he said.