The Minister said the three power stations situated in Matara, Puttalam and Embilipitiya would be shut down. The closure is to coincide with the energy conservation month declared by the Power and Energy Ministry.

However, the Kelanitissa Power Station will remain as a main thermal power plant during the period.

According to reports, there are two charges for these thermal power plants, known as capacity charges and energy charges, and the Ministry will have to pay capacity charges whether they use these power stations or not.