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By Yohan Perera

While stating that the final decision on power cuts will be made today, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) yesterday said there is a long term power crisis which the Commission warned of in 2016.

PUC Chairman Janaka Ratnayake told a press conference that a decision will be made today after studying the situation. “CEB has asked for our approval for a power cut but the President had instructed the treasury to release Rs. 93 billion to make payments for the fuel needed. We therefore will have to make an assessment by carrying out a study on the situation with regard to the power plants. It is likely that we will be able to do without power cuts, as it has been decided by the political leadership. If not we might have to go for nine hour power cuts as the third option, but it is an unlikely event,” Mr. Ratnayake said.
Also, he said PUC warned of a long term power crisis in 2016 but no action has been taken to avoid this situation. The absence of new mega power projects have paved the way for this long term crisis,” he said.
“However, switching off air conditions in establishments and domestic air conditioners for at least two hours, switching off signboards and street lights will have to be implemented. In addition, the private generators in establishments will have to be connected to the national grid,” he added.

Coming up with another staggering disclosure, Mr. Ratnayake said it will be also essential to collect Rs. 50 billion tariff defaults, which have been going on for years.

Meanwhile, he slammed the trade unions attached to the CEB for confusing the people by announcing power cuts. “Only the PUC has the right to make the final decision on implementing power cuts. “ People can file legal action against the CEB trade unions,” he said.