The duration of power cuts is likely to increase from one hour to three hours according to CEB sources due to the sudden breakdown of a unit at the Norochcholai power plant.

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara today confirmed that there is a breakdown of Unit 1 of the Norochcholai Power plant. “Technical Staff is working to identify the fault,” he said adding that Unit 2 is undergoing scheduled maintenance work leaving only Unit 3 to operate.

The Minister said West Coast and other fuel power plants will be used to manage supply. However, he did not hint at an increase in power cuts yet.