'Ensure power during peak hours; land given to NTPC will be taken back if it is of no use to Kerala'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Public Accounts Committee chairman K C Venugopal has called for joint efforts by the Central and State governments to address Kerala's energy crisis. He said both governments should work together to prepare plans to ensure adequate power supply during peak demand periods. Speaking at a press conference, Venugopal said the issue had been discussed by the committee.

The Kayamkulam NTPC plant has the capacity to generate 350 MW of electricity but is currently not producing power. Kerala pays NTPC Rs 100 crore annually towards its operations, he said.

"If the plant is of no benefit to Kerala, the government will take back the land allotted to NTPC," Venugopal said.

He added that the committee had directed the authorities to submit a report within a month. He also called for discussions involving the Union Power Secretary, the Kerala Power Secretary and the NTPC chairman to find a solution.

Responding to questions on political issues, Venugopal said he did not wish to comment on them and that the press conference had been convened only to explain the decisions of the Public Accounts Committee.