Norochcholai coal power plant breakdown : A national power crisis?

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The general public is facing a number of difficulties due to a disruption in the power supply since last afternoon(March 18). The blackout is a result of a technical error in generator 2 of the Norochcholai coal power plant. The Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy states that it has taken necessary steps to provide an undisrupted power supply inspite of the breakdown. Minister Ravi Karunanayake added that repairs are underway to restore the generator 2. Due to the blackout, the affected population continue innundate the responsible officials with complaints. Media spokesperson to the ministry, Sulakshana Jayawardena added that investigations are underway to diagnose the technical malfunction. He added that it is a challenge to meet the electricity demand of the country with the current state of the Norochcholai coal power plant. The breakdown has caused a loss of 270 MW to the national grid as the Norochcholai coal power plant fulfills 78% of Sri Lanka's power supply. It is also important to keep in mind that water levels at several hydro power resevoirs such as Mousakelle, Castlereagh and Victoria have reported a drop of  40% in water levels. The breakdown of the Norochcholai coal power plant could lead to a major power crisis.

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