Electricity consumption down this Vesak season - Ranawaka

Conservation programme Heta Wenuwen Ada bears fruit:

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Electricity use this Vesak season had decreased compared to the last 15 years. This can be pointed out as one of the greatest achievements of the power conservation programme Heta Wenuwen Ada (Today for Tomorrow) launched by the Power and Energy Ministry, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

“The daily electricity consumption during the Vesak season was between 1,800 to 2,200 megawatts in the last 15 years This year, it was between 1,750 to 2,100 megawatts,” the minister said.

The minister was addressing a special meeting at the Industrial Development Board, Katubedda.

It was to get the assistance for the country’s power conservation programme from middle and small scale industrialists. Sri Lankans should pay more attention on power conservation under the Heta Wenuwen Ada programme, Ranawaka said. “Increasing electricity bills is the main problem industrialists face. Eighty percent out of total power capacity is generated by fuel. We are compelled to increase electricity charges when fuel prices rise. All Sri Lankans should help conserve power and energy,” the minister said.