By Ifham Nizam
The National System Operator (NSO) yesterday ended power cuts following the restoration of Lakvijaya Power Station’s Unit 2.
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka announced the development after the NSO confirmed that Unit 2 was operational.
The restoration of Unit 2 marks the latest stage in a five-day electricity crisis that began with the countrywide blackout on Saturday, October 17, and led to temporary restrictions on electricity consumption.
The disruption has once again highlighted the economic cost of electricity supply instability, with manufacturers, exporters, retailers, small and medium-sized enterprises and service providers exposed to production interruptions, delayed deliveries, additional operating expenses and uncertainty over business continuity.
The crisis began at around 11.43 a.m. on October 17, when a generating unit disconnected from the national grid, triggering an imbalance that caused the entire electricity system to collapse in less than 30 seconds, according to reports citing the NSO.
Electricity restoration began shortly afterwards. Major hydropower generating units were brought back into operation from around 12.11 p.m., while the system was restarted in separate sections.
Supply to essential services, including major hospitals, water treatment plants and the airport, had been restored by around 3 p.m. All grid substations were reconnected by approximately 5 p.m., allowing electricity supply to resume for most consumers.
However, the blackout had a further consequence for the national grid.
Norochcholai’s three generating units were disconnected as a precaution under standard safety procedures.
The NSO subsequently said the plant would remain offline for several days while the necessary procedures were completed.The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved one-hour rotational power cuts for three consecutive days, from October 19 to 21, if required to manage the electricity shortfall.