by Ananda Kannangara
The Local Government Ministry has responded positively to the Government’s ‘Electricity Conservation Program’ by directing all local bodies to switch off additional street lights and refrain from using high voltage street lights. Accordingly, local authorities countrywide have taken steps not only to switch off additional street lights and replace low voltage street bulbs, but also to keep a close tab on street lights kept on even after 6.00 a.m.
Most employees in Local Government bodies had switched off street lights in their areas at the correct time even prior to the Power and Energy Ministry making the electricity conservation announcement last week.
Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A. L. M. Athaulla told the Sunday Observer that he would closely monitor street lights being kept on after 6.00 a.m. in several areas including Colombo and the suburbs and take stern action against those responsible. Meanwhile, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka last week called upon 4.3 million electricity consumers in the country to take note of the current power crisis and asked them to minimise using high voltage home appliances and bulbs in their residences, gardens, offices, streets and business premises during the peak hour between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.
According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), 2000 mws of electricity is consumed at present in Sri Lanka during the peak hours between 6.30 and 9.30 p.m. and if consumers comply with the CEB instructions the country could save Rs. 8 billion of the national income. The Minister also called upon all hospitals, police stations, and security service stations to use power carefully during the peak hours and help the Government’s `Energy Saving Program’.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/03/25/new04.asp
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