Use electricity sparingly, consumers told

The Power and Energy Ministry has requested consumers to use electricity sparingly since the increase in the price of crude oil to 124 US dollars per barrel may have an adverse impact on power generation.

The release said the CEB faced a grave crisis as 65 per cent of the country's electricity demand had to depend on diesel power stations. The price of crude oil in the international market is expected to increase to 200 US dollars per barrel in the future.

Hydro electricity stations catered to only 35 per cent of the country's electricity demand and as such the CEB spent nearly Rs. 15 to 30 per unit to produce thermal power.

All diesel power stations are operated to provide electricity during the peak hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily and the people are requested to use electricity sparingly specially during this period, the release said.