KSEB tariff proposal; concerns mount over new connection charges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Electricity Board's (KSEB) proposal to revise electricity connection charges has come under criticism, with consumers alleging that several of the proposed changes are unscientific. Complaints have already been submitted to the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC), which is scheduled to hold a public hearing in Thiruvananthapuram on August 6.

At present, electricity connection charges are calculated based on the actual cost of infrastructure such as electric poles and service lines. KSEB has proposed replacing this system with a slab-based tariff linked to the connected load measured in kilowatts.

One of the major objections relates to the proposed charge for increasing the connected load of existing domestic connections. Consumers seeking additional load for installing more electrical appliances or solar power systems would have to pay ₹1,560 per kilowatt, even in cases where there is no need to replace the service cable or erect new poles.

Consumer groups argue that such charges are illegal under Section 46 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which permits recovery of expenses only when infrastructure or construction costs are actually incurred. The Kerala Distributed Solar Producers Confederation (KDSPC) has submitted a complaint to the Regulatory Commission challenging the proposal.

The proposal to levy ₹700 per kilowatt for converting a connection from single-phase to three-phase has also drawn criticism.

Opposition has also emerged over the impact of the proposed slab-based system on applicants seeking short-distance electricity connections. Critics say small domestic consumers whose properties are located adjacent to electricity poles—and who require only a weatherproof service wire for a new connection—would end up paying significantly more than under the existing cost-based system.

The Regulatory Commission is expected to consider the suggestions raised during the August 6 public hearing, along with complaints submitted by consumers, before issuing its final order.