Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the media there was no immediate threat of power cuts though the prolonged drought had badly affected the catchment areas.

He urged each household to conserve energy by at least 10 per cent a day because the recent rainfall was not sufficient and had not made an impact on the water levels in the reservoirs.

“As of yesterday the total hydropower capacity at Castlereagh, Mausakelle, Kotmale, Victoria, Randenigala and Samanalawewa was 301.6 Giga Watts per hour (GWh) though the normal capacity was 1260 Gwh,” the minister said.

He said the CEB incurred a daily loss of Rs.200 million because of the increased demand for electricity and the use of thermal power generation. (Sarasi Paranamanna)