No long-term solution to electricity system challenges

Consumers slam reliance on power cuts and solar power deactivation 

Despite the first major grid instability incident linked to renewable energy integration being reported in February of last year, the Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) claimed the authorities have failed to implement a long-term solution to electricity system related challenges, nearly one and a half years later.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (1), the ECA’s General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said that the latest power disruptions on 30 May of this year (2026) demonstrated the failure to modernise and strengthen the national grid, despite repeated discussions and policy announcements. He added that the authorities had sufficient time to address the weaknesses in the system but had shown little progress in implementing practical measures. "All we hear are discussions and targets. There are plans and policy statements about where the country intends to go, very little is happening on the ground. If other countries can successfully manage higher levels of renewable energy integration, there is no reason that Sri Lanka cannot do the same," he said.

He charged that the relevant authorities now appear to be relying on only two options to maintain grid stability — imposing power cuts or instructing solar power producers to deactivate their systems. He warned that both approaches would have negative consequences for the economy. "Restricting solar generation would ultimately increase reliance on fuel-based power generation, resulting in higher fuel consumption and greater costs."

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka was not available for comment.

The comments came after power interruptions were reported on 30 May following an imbalance in the national grid. The disruption reportedly occurred after a significant mismatch between the electricity demand and generation affected grid stability. 

Source: The morning