New technology to upgrade electricity distribution

Wasantha RAMANAYAKE

Colombo City’s electricity distribution system will be upgraded with the introduction of technology at a cost of Rs. 11,000 million to provide an efficient service, a Power and Energy Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman the program will be implemented under the direction of Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne and will be funded by the Japanese Bank for Economic Cooperation. All existing grid substations in the city would be upgraded under this program, the spokesman said.

The official said the city’s distribution system is out-dated and consumers experience occasional power failures. The program constituted of a new grid substation in Kotahena area. The official added that the existing 132 W switch yard at the Kelanitissa Power Station will be upgraded to a 132 GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear).

A senior official of the CEB told the Daily News that the GIS is a reliable advanced system used in developed countries which occupies lesser space.