PUCSL warns of power shortages in Q1 2017

Dec 15, 2016 (LBO) - The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the regulator of the state-run CEB, issued a warning after observing the risks in December that included only two of three generators at the Lakvijaya coal power plant being in working condition and possibility of inadequate rainfall. "Only two units of Lakvijaya Plant are available.







Even with full availability of thermal power plants, about 500 MW of Hydro power contribution is essential to meet the night peak demand," the PUCSL's Power Supply Situation- December 2016 to March 2017 report said.

"Hence, it is required to minimize the hydro dispatch during day and off peak time.

" Based on past trends, the report says there will be no rainfall until end of April 2017 and that daily major hydro dispatch level should be kept below 6 GWh/day in average, to ensure the availability of hydro reservoirs until end of April. "Even with full availability of thermal power plants, about 550 MW of Hydro power contribution is essential to meet the night peak demand.





" Based on past trends, there will be no rainfall until end of April. Daily major hydro dispatch level is required to be kept below about 6 GWh/day in average, to ensure the availability of hydro reservoirs until end of April.

Under this condition, the loss of thermal generation capacity in the system can withstand without requiring power cuts will be 560 MW in January.Due to demand growth,this will reduce to 500 MW in February and 350 MW in March.

"Hence, it is required to ensure that the unit one of coal power plant resumes generated on January 1, 2017," the report said. Also, it is required to ensure the continuous fuel availability for oil fired power plants.







Sufficient imports of low Sulphur furnace oil and availability of fuel transportation to West Coast power plant, Continuous furnace oil supply from Sapugaskanda Refinery,Sufficient production/ imports of Naphtha and Diesel / Auto Diesel and availability of fuel transportation to power plants in Kalanithissa.