Government to investigate unannounced power cuts and KSEB lapses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said that an inquiry will be conducted into the lapse by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) in failing to provide advance notice to the public regarding load-shedding and power cuts resulting from the ongoing power crisis.

Power consumption has increased by 1,000 megawatts compared to last year, accompanied by a decrease in rainfall and water availability in dams. Currently, 200 megawatts of electricity are being procured at a rate of Rs 5.96 per unit, and authorities will examine whether an additional 200 megawatts can be purchased at an even lower rate.

The current crisis was triggered by the cancellation of a 25-year long-term contract, which had been established during the Oommen Chandy government to purchase electricity at Rs 4.29 per unit. The contract was cancelled eight years later while CPI(M) leaders were serving on the Electricity Regulatory Commission, a development that will also be examined. Subsequently, electricity was purchased from the Adani company at rates ranging from Rs 8 to Rs 14 per unit.