A noticeable rise in electricity consumption, particularly during the night peak hours, has been observed in recent weeks, with power sector officials attributing the trend partly to households increasingly turning to electricity for cooking amid shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Data from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) shows that both the total units generated and the evening peak demand have been gradually increasing, signalling a possible shift in household energy use.

Energy sector sources said the rising night peak load suggests that more consumers may be relying on electric appliances such as hot plates, electric cookers and induction stoves as alternatives to LPG.

“The night peak is increasing steadily. One of the likely reasons could be the growing use of electricity for cooking due to the shortage of LPG,” a senior power sector official said.

Electricity demand traditionally rises during the evening hours between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m., when domestic consumption surges as households switch on lighting and appliances while preparing meals.

Power engineers point out that electric cooking appliances consume comparatively high amounts of electricity, and a widespread shift towards their use can significantly raise the evening peak load.

“If many households begin cooking with electricity at the same time, the night peak can rise sharply even if the total daily consumption increases only moderately,” an engineer familiar with grid operations said.

The increase in demand comes at a time when the power sector is undergoing a major restructuring programme aimed at unbundling the CEB into separate entities responsible for generation, transmission and distribution.

Energy analysts note that higher electricity consumption could boost revenues for the sector if tariffs remain stable.

However, they caution that a sustained rise in peak demand may place additional pressure on generation capacity.

During the night peak period, the system relies heavily on thermal and hydropower plants to meet demand, as solar power is unavailable after sunset.

If the trend towards electric cooking continues, planners may need to adjust generation schedules and grid management strategies to cope with higher evening demand.

Energy experts say the development illustrates the close link between different energy sources.

“When shortages occur in one energy source, consumers quickly shift to alternatives. In this case, LPG shortages appear to be pushing more households towards electricity for cooking,” an analyst said.

Power sector officials say demand patterns are being closely monitored to determine whether the rising night peak represents a temporary fluctuation or a longer-term shift in consumer behaviour.For now, engineers say the power system remains stable, though sustained growth in evening demand could require careful management to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

By Ifham Nizam

A massive consignment of narcotics with a street value of about Rs. 10 billion, along with a cache of firearms suspected to be linked to international organised crime, was seized by the Navy during a special operation in international waters south of the country.

Two multi-day fishing trawlers intercepted during the operation were brought to Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour yesterday morning with 10 suspects on board. Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara told reporters that the narcotics haul weighed over 600 kilos and includes eight pistols, two T-56 assault rifles, and one M16 rifle.

Investigators have identified Pallewatte Gamage Chaminda Dilruk, widely known as Parevi Suda, as the orchestrator of the smuggling operation. Security sources revealed that two underworld figures and alleged shooters, Dippitigoda Lahiru and Konda Ranji were believed to be involved in recent shooting incidents in and around Colombo.

The seizure has raised serious questions at both the Public Security Ministry and the Defence Ministry regarding why local authorities have so far failed to obtain an Interpol Red Notice against Parevi Suda, who is reportedly operating from Dubai.

Preliminary investigations suggest the second trawler was providing logistical support and surveillance during the smuggling operation. Intelligence sources also indicate that the firearms may have been intended for organised crimes, including contract killings, with alleged plots to target informants and previous seizure leads.

By Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu

Internet Media Action (IMA) yesterday expressed profound concern over the arrest of veteran journalist Sandaruwan Senadheera, editor of the Lanka E News, at Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday (11) as he returned to the country from the UK after 16 years. A statement signed by IMA representative Sampath Samarakoon said Senadheera had fled Sri Lanka during the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa after receiving death threats amid a climate of intimidation against journalists. The organisation noted that his departure also followed the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda and an arson attack on the Lanka e News office in the early hours of January 30, 2011.

According to IMA, Senadheera had since continued his journalistic work from overseas through the Lanka e News website while advocating democratic governance in Sri Lanka. The group added that he had also extended ideological support to the political movement NPP during its rise to power.

IMA said Senadheera was reportedly arrested as a suspect in connection with a legal case filed under a previous administration. However, the organisation said the arrest had raised fresh concerns within the media community about the possible re-emergence of political witch-hunts and suppression of journalists reminiscent of earlier periods.

“The present government has a responsibility to dispel these concerns,” the statement said.

The organisation urged the authorities to ensure Senadheera’s personal safety while in custody and to guarantee that any legal proceedings against him are conducted transparently and free of political vendetta.

IMA also called on the government to uphold its commitments to protect the professional safety of journalists and safeguard freedom of expression.

“Actions of this nature, which evoke the dark era of journalist persecution, constitute a threat to democracy,” the statement said, urging authorities to intervene to ensure justice in the matter.