Ceylon Electricity: Power Challenges, Solutions, and Future Prospects

  Navigating the Tides: How a Tariff Tweak Turned CEB's Fortunes Around The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is back in the black, a remarkable turnaround that has everyone talking. After facing a staggering Rs. 18.47 billion loss in the first quarter of 2025, the state-owned utility has reported a profit of Rs. 5.31 billion for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. This pivot from deep red to a healthy profit is a testament to the powerful impact of a recent electricity tariff revision. Just a few months earlier, the picture was starkly different. Following a 20% tariff reduction in January 2025 by the new government, the CEB had been hemorrhaging money. This well-intentioned move, aimed at providing relief to consumers, ultimately came at a significant financial cost to the board, contributing heavily to the massive first-quarter losses. The shift in strategy, with the government adjusting tariffs again in June, aligns directly with a key requirement from the International Monetary Fun...

  Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity in Sri Lanka? With rising electricity costs and frequent power cuts in Sri Lanka, many households are looking for ways to reduce their power consumption. One common piece of advice is to unplug appliances when not in use. But does this actually help save electricity, or is it just a myth? The answer: Yes, unplugging certain appliances can save electricity, but the savings depend on the type of device and how often you use it. Some electronics continue to consume power even when switched off—a problem known as "phantom energy" or "vampire power." In this article, we’ll cover: Which appliances waste the most electricity when left plugged in How much money Sri Lankans can realistically save by unplugging Simple alternatives to reduce standby power without unplugging everything Let’s explore! How Much Electricity Do Appliances Waste When Plugged In? Many modern appliances and gadgets still draw power even when turned off. Th...

  Ceylon Electricity Board: Powering Sri Lanka’s Future The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is the backbone of Sri Lanka’s power sector, supplying electricity to millions of homes and businesses. Whether you’re a resident, expat, or business owner, understanding how the CEB operates can help you manage bills, report outages, and explore renewable energy options. In this guide, we’ll cover: ✔ History & Role of the Ceylon Electricity Board ✔ How to Pay Your CEB Bill Online & Offline ✔ Dealing with Power Outages & Complaints ✔ CEB’s Renewable Energy Initiatives ✔ Future Plans for Sri Lanka’s Electricity Supply Let’s dive in! 1. What is the Ceylon Electricity Board? History & Role of CEB Established in 1969, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is Sri Lanka’s primary electricity provider. It generates, transmits, and distributes power across the island, ensuring homes, industries, and public services have reliable electricity. CEB operates: Thermal & coal power plants ...

Power outages can be frustrating, especially when they happen unexpectedly. If you live in Sri Lanka or have visited, you’ve likely experienced a Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) blackout. But what exactly causes these disruptions? In this article, we’ll explore the key Ceylon Electricity Board blackout causes, from aging infrastructure to unexpected demand spikes. By understanding these issues, you can better prepare for future outages and even advocate for improvements. 1. Aging Power Infrastructure: The Root of Many Problems Outdated Transmission Lines and Equipment One of the biggest Ceylon Electricity Board blackout causes is its aging infrastructure. Many power lines, transformers, and substations were installed decades ago and haven’t been upgraded to meet modern demands. Corrosion and wear weaken transmission lines, leading to failures. Old circuit breakers may not respond quickly to surges, causing cascading outages. Lack of maintenance due to budget constraints increases failur...