Kerala braces for more power cuts; up to 900 MW shortfall; restrictions likely today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala may face power restrictions again today as the state continues to grapple with a shortage of electricity, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) warned. The state is facing a shortfall of up to 900 MW, with KSEB saying it did not receive power from Madhya Pradesh. KSEB also pointed to the possibility of high power demand across the country. Power interruptions are likely between 6.15 pm and 12.45 am.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan had earlier said efforts were underway to resolve the power shortage in the state. He also said the government had not yet decided to purchase electricity at Rs 30 per unit.

Speaking to the media after a Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said electricity was being sourced from several places and that the government had contacted eight states to address the shortage.

“We are buying electricity from several places. We have contacted eight states. Efforts are underway to resolve the power issue. We have not yet decided to buy electricity at Rs 30 per unit. We are trying to purchase it for less than Rs 10 per unit,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said Kerala would experience significantly higher temperatures from the next monsoon season and would consequently require more electricity. He said a new power policy would be announced at that time and added that the KSEB would not be taken out of the public sector.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph had also said the government was trying to purchase power through all available means to resolve the crisis. He said the decision was to purchase electricity even at higher rates if necessary to address the shortage.