Electrocuting the public with increased electricity tariffs

Whether or not to increase the electricity tariffs is a topic of heated debate in Parliament. The mere thought of it gives the public the jitters. The Public Utilities Commission claims that it’s illegal to increase tariffs. The decision not to have power cuts during the A’Level exams is fluctuating like the power supply.

Meanwhile the engineers say there is no naphtha to run the Kelanitissa power plant and the Norochcholai power plant is starved for coal. As we are in the midst of a financial crisis it is difficult to pay for the supply of fossil fuel. So the engineers propose power cuts to conserve energy. Is this the only solution the members of an innovative profession can give the public who at the moment are burdened to the hilt with taxes, increased cost of living etc?

Our motherland is abundantly blessed with sources of renewable energy (energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed) in the form of sunlight and wind all year round. The sun unfailingly rises in the East and sets in the West and drenches our island with light and heat. Even on most gloomy days there is enough light to generate electricity. Why are we wasting this bountiful supply?

Currently the country uses the full potential of its hydro power to generate electricity. Solar power would make another very affordable source of clean energy. It would also make it possible for the citizenry to sell power to the Government at a much cheaper rate than the rates we pay to the Government to purchase an irregular and expensive supply. The Government could provide low interest loans to install solar panels on household roofs. Factories, hotels and schools could be encouraged to install solar panels on their roofs. These measures would, over a period of time serve to decrease our reliance on fossil fuel to generate electricity. It would increase standards of living too.

India is converting entire villages to generate solar power. Adding to the benefits mentioned, it also enables those villagers to sell electricity to the Government. Am I having pipe dreams by saying that if such villages could be initiated in the dry zone, it would create a source of income to the villagers in times of drought and an additional income throughout the year?

It is a pity that while the world is looking at renewable energy as a viable option to provide clean energy, the Sri Lankan policymakers and the engineers are still relying more on fossil fuel which is also harmful to the environment.