Save power to prevent rate hike - CEB

Rasika Somarathna

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday warned consumers to use power sparingly or pay more for their electricity beginning next year.

Announcing a major awareness campaign for energy conservation, CEB Chairman Udayasri Kariyawasam told the media that in the event of the CEB failing to save at least six million units (one fifth of the total daily consumption) of power, there would be no alternative but to raise electricity charges by Rs. 4.65 per unit from 2008.

Saving one unit means saving Rs. 15 with one litre of diesel being used to produce four units of electricity, the Chairman said adding that the CEB was planning to be self-sufficient without depending on Treasury subsidies to stabilise prices from 2008.

Sri Lanka is largely dependent on fuel generated electricity with 65 per cent of the total power consumption being generated through fuel and 35 per cent hydro power. The sky rocketing oil prices has had its impact on electricity rates, the Chairman added.

The CEB accounts for 30 per cent of total fuel consumption in the country and over the years the Government had to bear the burden by offering huge subsidies to keep prices on an even keel.

The estimated expenditure for 2008 is Rs. 274 million per day for the use of 4.3 million litres of fuel for power generation, Kariyawasam revealed.

"With the CEB trying to be self-sufficient we should no longer depend on a cushion to stabilise electricity prices from 2008 and instead would pursue avenues such as seeking cheap alternative energy and conservation as the way forward," Kariyawasam said.

If the consumers could limit waste and help save at least one third of the projected target of six million units it would be a major victory, the Chairman said adding that the average daily electricity consumption is 29 million units per day.

It is estimated that the CEB has to spend at least Rs.100 billion in the ensuing year to generate electricity to cater to the growing demand.

Unveiling the CEB campaign on energy conservation, the Chairman said advertisements in the print and electronic media would be of help in educating the masses and a leaflet too is to be delivered to all consumers, with instructions to local authorities through the Ministry or Provincial Councils to follow.

Another avenue would be to educate Government departments and Ministries regarding minimising waste and also a major awareness campaign targeting school children too is in the offing. Communication through television and radio talk shows would follow, the Chairman added.