CEB: Corrective measures taken to prevent power failures

by Ifham Nizam 

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday said it had adopted a series of immediate and long-term corrective measures to prevent future power failures following the nationwide blackout on 09 Feb.

The power failure, which occurred at 11:13 AM, was attributed to a system-wide disturbance at the 33kV Panadura Grid Substation, exacerbated by the high penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation.

CEB’s Media Spokesman, Eng. M.H. Dhammike Wimalaratne, said the grid had low system inertia due to the dominance of non-synchronous solar PV power, making it highly vulnerable to faults. “The sharp voltage drop led to cascading disconnections, ultimately causing a total power failure,” he noted.

In response, CEB has taken immediate corrective measures, including keeping more synchronous generators online and operating selected gas turbines in synchronous condenser mode to enhance voltage stability. “We are also implementing necessary curtailments on ground-mounted solar PV during low-demand periods to prevent instability,” Wimalaratne added.

Looking ahead, CEB is accelerating efforts to adjust rooftop solar PV inverter settings, introduce special industrial tariffs to balance demand, and promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance grid resilience. Additionally, long-term strategies include deploying grid-forming inverters, installing emergency backup generators at Norochcholai, and expediting the Maha Oya Pumped Hydro Project—a 600 MW storage facility aimed at improving energy security.

Despite the challenges, CEB reassures the public of its commitment to a reliable power supply. “As we transition to a renewable energy-driven system, we are implementing proactive measures to ensure a stable and future-ready grid,” Wimalaratne emphasized.

The recent blackout underscores the need for grid modernization, with CEB’s swift response highlighting the urgency of balancing renewable energy integration with grid stability.