The Cabinet approved a 6-month extension for emergency power purchases as hydro power generation has been reduced to 20% because of the prevailing dry weather conditions, Power and Energy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
“The water levels in almost all reservoirs havedropped down sharply consequent to the current drought. But the CEB is committed to provide an uninterrupted supply of power throughout the year. Therefore, we have no other alternative but to purchase power from the private sector even though the cost is extremely high. Emergency power purchases for six months will cost a massive Rs.21 billion,” the minister said.