Mystery power failure: PUCSL begins public hearing

‘It has taken this step as CEB is not cooperating,’ says expert

By Rathindra Kuruwita

For the first time in its history the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will hold a public hearing, on 27 May, as part of its investigation to find out what caused the countrywide power failure on 17 August, 2020. PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said the session would commence at 9.30 am.

 It was the first time that such a massive power failure had occurred in the country and no room should be left for another one.

 “Because of this power failure, the CEB was unable to serve a total energy demand of 27.5 GWh, which is estimated to be around Rs. 4 billion. In addition, there were other consequential losses due to the failure. This public hearing will be to figure out what happened.”

Ratnayake said that a public hearing was akin to a commission and those who testify before it would do so under oath.

The PUCSL has asked stakeholders, including the general public, to send in written submissions to the ‘Chairman, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, Level 06, BOC Merchant Tower, 28, St. Michael’s Road, Colombo 03.’ These submissions can also be faxed to 0112392641 or emailed to consultation@pucsl.gov.lk. These submissions should be sent within 28 days from 28 March 2021.

An energy sector source said that the PUCSL had taken the step as the CEB had not provided it with data and a report that the regulator had asked for.

The Committee appointed by the Minister of Power to probe the power failure had only handed its report to Minister Dullas Alahapperuma in the third week of February, but it had not been made public or any action taken based on the recommendations of the Committee.

 “In fact, the report was finished by the end of December but the CEB representative and another member didn’t sign the report until February. So, there was a deliberate delay in submitting the report too.”