The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has temporarily deactivated all thermal power plants in response to a significant drop in electricity demand during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday period.
CEB Media Spokesperson Dhammika Wimalaratne stated that one generator at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant was taken offline on April 11, while operations at the Kelanitissa Power Plant, which runs on naphtha, were halted on the morning of April 12.
Currently, no thermal power plants are operational, with the CEB relying entirely on hydroelectric and other renewable energy sources to meet the country’s energy requirements.
The move is part of a broader strategy to balance electricity supply and demand during the festive season. The CEB noted that a detailed analysis of projected electricity demand and available renewable energy informed the temporary shutdowns.
“Maintaining a stable balance between electricity generation and consumption is vital for national grid stability,” the utility provider emphasized.
Since April 10, electricity consumption has dropped to notably low levels. In response, the CEB has temporarily disconnected rooftop solar systems with capacities exceeding 100 kilowatts. Additionally, on April 13, the board issued a public advisory requesting all rooftop solar power unit owners to halt generation during daylight hours.
In its most recent announcement, the CEB clarified that rooftop solar system owners should only disconnect their systems upon receiving an official SMS notification from the board, and only until 3:00 p.m. each day. This precaution, it said, is necessary to ensure the integrity of the power grid.
The CEB also extended its gratitude to the public, particularly rooftop solar users, for their cooperation in managing electricity supply during the New Year celebrations.
