Power outages in sweltering Kerala; CM Satheesan vows to resolve issue by September 15th

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state's power crisis is not going to end anytime soon. The KSEB has no immediate solution to the hardships faced by the public due to power outages. A high-level meeting convened on Wednesday by Minister Sunny Joseph decided to make every effort to resolve the issue.

It was decided to provide advance notice for power cuts instead of implementing them without warning; this decision follows public protests sparked by unexpected outages.

Sunny Joseph stated that there is a nationwide power shortage and that electricity is unavailable even at high prices—with rates reaching up to ₹16 per unit. No one is coming forward for new long-term contracts. He expressed regret over the public's difficulties but noted that there is no "miracle cure" available; the government is doing everything humanly possible. The Minister also mentioned that the increased charging of electric vehicles (EVs) at night has contributed to the rise in electricity demand.

Legal battle to continue

• Legal battle in the Supreme Court to restore long-term contracts will continue

• Construction of battery energy storage systems to be completed soon

• Inauguration of the BESS project at Brahmapuram coming up soon

• Efforts to secure more power through discussions with NTPC

• Measures to boost domestic power generation

• Expansion of projects, including floating solar initiatives

• Promotion of solar, wind, and pumped-storage projects

• Expediting ongoing hydroelectric projects

• Idukki Phase II project under active consideration

• Vigilance inquiry into the Bhoothathankettu irregularities

“The state's power crisis will be resolved by the 15th of this month. Power outages will also be stopped. Instructions to this effect have been issued to KSEB. The LDF government is responsible for the current power crisis,” said CM Satheesan.