• Public, industry, and economic activities disrupted
• MOE blames the prev. governments’ neglect of power grid stability and understanding
• CEB engineers claim cause linked to solar, but says needs probe to verify

The unplanned power outage experienced across the island yesterday (9) was a result of an ‘emergency situation’ that broke out at the Panadura Grid Sub Station, according to the Energy Ministry.

The State-owned utility supplier, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is no stranger to un-announced and unexplained power outages, last evening issued a press release stating that a ‘special investigation’ will be launched into the incident. “Based on the findings of the inquiry, action will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” the statement said, trying to assure an already disgruntled public of the trustworthiness of the State-owned enterprise (SOE).  

With the power outage attracting widespread criticism, the entire island lost power for several hours from around 11.15 a.m. By around 5 p.m. yesterday, the CEB claimed to have restored around 80% of the overall power supply, while the Energy Ministry at around 5.45 p.m. added that the power supply had been restored in all areas.

The Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, issuing a press release last evening claimed that: “preliminary investigations have indicated that the actions of the previous governments, who had acted without foresight and understanding of maintaining the stability of the national electricity system, and their lack of understanding the technology, led to this situation.”

Yesterday’s power outage disrupted various economic activities, including the operations of business establishments, and stopped the functioning of traffic lights inconveniencing commuters. Meanwhile, the Railways Department added that railway gates and warning systems were likely to malfunction due to the power disruption, and advised the public to be cautious at railway crossings. While key institutions such as the National Hospital in Colombo were reported to be experiencing difficulties due to the power outage, the authorities had taken steps to address those challenges promptly. Reports indicate that four staff members of a retail outlet were hospitalised in Bogawantalawa area due to inhalation of fumes emitted from a back-up electricity generator, which they had to operate due to the power failure.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the CEB Engineers’ Union attempting to explain what had happened, claimed that: “For the time being, low electricity requirement on the noon of Sundays and a majority of the overall power generation being generated through solar panels which is less stable has been identified as the key reason behind this situation. However, this situation should be verified through a proper probe.” The Union added that although the power grid was close to experiencing such a situation on several Sundays, the CEB was able to prevent a widespread power outage. However, they added that the weak state of the national grid may have led to the widespread power outage experienced yesterday. It added that the CEB and the Energy Ministry are working together to take long-term steps to prevent the recurrence of such situations.

The Sunday Morning newspaper had recently reported about vulnerabilities in absorbing renewable energy sources to the national grid, posing a significant risk of system failure.

Meanwhile, several media reports claimed that a troop of monkeys had entered the Grid Sub Station premises and clashed causing the power outage – raising a flurry of public backlash.  

Attempts to contact the CEB Chairperson and the management, the Ministry of Power, and the Government spokesperson regarding the islandwide power disruption, proved futile. 

PHOTO Ishan Sanjeewa