No outages despite historic electricity demand, residents urged to save energy

Sri Lanka hit a new milestone in electricity usage last Monday (16), with the national power system experiencing its highest-ever demand amid ongoing dry conditions, according to Dr. B.L. Pradeep Priyadarshana Perera, Chairman of the National System Operator (Pvt.) Ltd.

Addressing reporters at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, Dr. Perera confirmed that peak electricity demand soared to 3,089 megawatts—a record for the country. Since that day, daily consumption has consistently hovered around 3,000 megawatts, signaling sustained pressure on the nation’s power grid.

Despite this unprecedented demand, authorities have successfully kept the lights on without interruptions. Dr. Perera noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has continued to supply sufficient fuel for electricity generation, preventing the need for power cuts.

He explained that the February-to-April dry season typically lowers hydropower output while boosting electricity consumption. “The prolonged dry weather has driven a notable increase in demand,” he said, highlighting that 60.56 gigawatt-hours were produced on the day of peak load.

Electricity production has remained stable at approximately 58 to 59 gigawatt-hours daily, enabling the system to meet nationwide requirements without disruption.

However, Dr. Perera stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance. He appealed to the public to conserve electricity wherever possible, helping maintain the stability of the power grid during this period of heightened demand.

“As stewards of the system, we call on all consumers to use energy wisely. Cooperation is essential for ensuring a stable supply across the country at this critical time,” he added.