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CEB in emergency power purchases to offset hydro-power shortfall
View(s):The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is to go in for emergency power purchases to overcome probable shortfall in hydro-power generation, said Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Dr B.M.S. Batagoda.
He told the Sunday Times that, as an immediate measure, the CEB would start purchasing power from three private power plants, by offering them annual contracts effective from next month. The CEB will purchase 225 MW from these companies.
Sri Lanka’s requirement of power during peak hours is 2,300 MW and, with a drought forecast this year, hydro-power generation is expected to fall drastically.
Dr Batagoda said that, in view of high thermal-power usage, they expect the Treasury to back them, failing which, the CEB would have to consider a revision in tariffs.
In 2016, there was a drop in hydro-power generation by 13% over 2015, when 70% of electricity was hydro-power generated.
Meanwhile, the CEB also has called for bids to provide 60 MW from five different locations for a six-month period.
At a meeting held with the private sector, the CEB sought their assistance to purchase power supplies from their plants to the main grid.
The government expects to purchase some 100 MW from the private sector.
This is in addition to a decision to purchase two separate power plants of 300 MW each, for which the tender is due to be awarded on February 17.
The Government intends to invest US$ 600 million in the project, which will come as a Build, Operate & Transfer (BOT) system.