News Today: CEB confirms solar surge caused blackout on Feb 9

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has confirmed that the nationwide power outage on February 9, 2025, was caused by an unusually high input of solar energy, leading to low system stability, or what engineers term “low system inertia.” According to a detailed investigation conducted by an independent Expert Committee, the incident was not due to a defect at the Victoria Power Station, as rumored, but rather the result of systemic imbalances caused by a solar surge.

On that particular day, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems supplied over 50% of Sri Lanka’s electricity demand. The phenomenon occurred during a weekend, often referred to as the “Sunny Sunday effect,” when commercial and industrial power usage is at its lowest. As traditional power plants were operating at minimum levels, the grid lacked the inertia needed to absorb sudden changes in voltage or frequency.

The tipping point came with a disturbance at the 33kV Panadura Grid Substation. This minor disruption triggered a voltage drop across the national grid. With limited inertia to cushion the impact, cascading failures ensued, leading to a complete islandwide blackout.

The committee’s findings align fully with the CEB’s original media release dated February 18, 2025. The investigation also recommended that urgent steps be taken to implement strategies from the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) and the Long-Term Transmission Plan. Key measures include the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), synchronous condensers, and modifications to enable traditional generators to act as grid stabilizers.

Furthermore, the committee urged the installation of real-time inertia indicators on the grid’s mimic boards to enhance operational control and resilience.

In response, the CEB categorically rejected claims linking the blackout to the Victoria Power Station or allegations of misinformation. These assertions were proven baseless and inconsistent with the evidence presented in the Expert Committee’s report.

The CEB reaffirmed its dedication to grid stability, energy reliability, and transparent public communication.

The full Expert Committee report can be accessed via the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) website.