KSEB to procure 200 MW of solar power; Vital regulatory commission meeting today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the severe power crisis in the state, the meeting of the regulatory commission will be convened today. The meeting will consider KSEB's request to procure 200 megawatts (MW) solar power. Approval will be sought for a contract to get electricity 24 hours a day for a year. The state is presently facing a shortage of 400 to 500 MW during peak hours.

The KSEB's move is to procure electricity from NTPC and Power Pulse Trading Solutions. The decision is to procure 100 MW of electricity each from both companies. Considering the serious power crisis, it is likely that the approval will be given today itself. Both companies will provide 100 MW each at a rate of Rs 5.96 per unit. The contract period is from this month to July 14 next year.

Load shedding of up to one and a half hours was imposed several times yesterday. Shortage of rain and continued high temperatures have led to a significant increase in electricity consumption compared to previous times. The peak electricity demand in July was 3500-3600 MW last year, but this year it has increased to 4600-4800. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph had earlier stated that there is only 28 percent of water in the dams.