In a significant development impacting the power sector of Sri Lanka, the Kelanitissa power plant has been temporarily shut down for six weeks, commencing yesterday, as the engineering department of the Ceylon Electricity Board initiates essential maintenance on the gas and steam turbine. The national grid is set to experience a temporary loss of 165 megawatts of power during this period.
Simultaneously, the Electricity Board faces additional challenges as the second generator of the Norochcholai Lak Wijaya Thermal Power Plant remains out of commission due to a technical issue. The board estimates a five-day timeline to reconnect this generator to the national grid following a sudden breakdown in the high-pressure heater system, causing a loss of 300 megawatts of power.
Further compounding the situation, the third generator of the Norochcholai power plant is also currently undergoing essential maintenance, resulting in an additional loss of 300 megawatts of power. Despite these setbacks, the Electricity Board assures the public that there will be no disruption to the continuous electricity supply.
To mitigate the impact of these temporary shutdowns, the Electricity Board announced its commitment to maintaining a steady electricity supply by harnessing hydropower. Currently, the water capacity associated with hydroelectric power plants has surged to an impressive 88 percent.
While challenges persist in the short term, the Electricity Board remains dedicated to ensuring the resilience of the power supply system and meeting the energy needs of the nation. The temporary inconveniences are part of a larger effort to enhance the efficiency and reliability of Sri Lanka’s power infrastructure.
