Energy expert Dr. Vidura Ralapanawa said that the electricity capacity that can be supplied to the national electricity system has dropped significantly due to the substandard nature of the third batch of coal imported into the country.
Citing data reports, he points out that although 810 megawatts should be generated when all three coal power plants are operational, only a maximum capacity of 710 megawatts can currently be generated due to the use of this substandard coal.
He says that due to this, electricity will have to be generated using petroleum at a high cost to fill the 100 megawatts of electricity capacity that will be lost. He states that additional costs have been imposed on the consumer due to a faulty procurement process.