CEB mafia back to old tricks, alleges electricity consumers

Renewable electricity generation curtailed

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

Consumers have brought to the notice of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka an attempt by the Ceylon Electricity Board to curtail the generation of renewable electricity, especially by mini-hydro power producers during the weekends.

They suspect that this is yet another ploy by the CEB to push for emergency power purchases and to support the production of electricity through diesel generation that is also highly injurious to people’s health.

The National Organiser of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, Sanjeewa Dhammika, in a letter to the Chairman of the PUCSL, states that CEB area engineers have informed the owners and managers of mini-hydro power plants and large-scale solar power projects to shut down their plants.

These officials are implementing a curtailment mechanism for solar power systems to reduce production when electricity demand is low. This move would be a blow to small-scale power producers who have invested with the expectation of both returns and cheaper electricity bills, he said.

Dhammika states that mini-hydro plants generate electricity at a minimal cost of around nine rupees per unit. In addition, the owners and managers of solar plants have also been informed, via phone, to shut down their plants. Over the weekends, around 50 to 60 such plants have been ordered to shut down.

“We believe this could be a destructive and conspiratorial step, and we urge an immediate investigation into the actions taken by certain CEB officials who have distorted the decisions made during the recent tariff revision. These economic predators and their supporters should be brought to justice,” Dhammika said.

“We kindly request that an investigation be conducted regarding the purchase of electricity from diesel plants and emergency electricity, without taking hydropower at the rate of nine rupees per unit, and that the PUCSL ensures the protection of consumer rights.”