Power crisis deepens: Kerala to face load shedding from November over unresolved Himachal deal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports say load shedding may be imposed again in the state from November. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has sought the government's permission on the matter. The main reason for this situation is the lack of a final decision on purchasing electricity from Himachal Pradesh to meet peak-hour demands.

Although Himachal Pradesh has offered to supply between 846 MW and 1,280 MW of power, they are demanding Rs 14.50 per unit. However, KSEB is attempting to negotiate the price down to Rs 12.50 per unit. Although the chief minister and the electricity minister held discussions regarding the power purchase, a final decision has not yet been reached.

KSEB can approach the regulatory commission only after obtaining government approval. Although KSEB invited tenders for peak-hour power, the crisis deepened as no contractors came forward to supply electricity at lower rates. If an emergency decision is not taken at the government level, the state will have to impose power restrictions again from November onwards.