Power restrictions to continue today; tariff hike possible

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Partial power restrictions will continue in Kerala today, with interruptions expected between 6.15 pm and 12.45 am, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said. The state is facing a 900 MW power shortfall, with 200 MW of electricity expected through power purchases currently unavailable. The KSEB said restrictions were necessary as electricity availability through the power exchange had declined significantly amid rising demand across the country.

The rainfall deficit caused by the El Niño phenomenon has pushed temperatures above last year's levels, further increasing power demand. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said the government was exploring all available options to purchase power and resolve the crisis. The government was prepared to buy electricity at higher rates if necessary, he said. The issue was discussed at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister VD Satheesan yesterday, while efforts are continuing to procure power from NTPC.

Joseph warned that buying electricity at higher rates could lead to an increase in power tariffs in the state. Procuring electricity from NTPC at Rs 30 per unit would impose an additional financial burden on the government.

The minister said the possibility of the entire burden being passed on to consumers could not be ruled out. He added that the immediate priority was to ensure adequate power during the emergency and that the government would explain the situation to the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission.