Kerala 'sweating' in power outages; KSEB in a fix, minister apologises to people

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Power outages without specifying the time or duration are tormenting lives in the sweltering weather. On Monday night, the state experienced power outages for more than an hour. With the rains receding, it is extremely hot at night as well. This has increased electricity consumption.

Power outages can occur anytime between 6.30 pm and 12.30 am. KSEB said it is not possible to say the exact time and that restrictions are required due to the unavailability of electricity from outside Kerala. The terms agreed for power exchange agreements will end on the 15th. With this, KSEB will be able to use 400 MW of electricity domestically.

Although the water level in the dams is 64 per cent, the total domestic production was increased to over 26 million units the other day. It will take at least 3 months for the base to store peak-time electricity to start operating on a trial basis.

Due to the dip in production in coal plants, Kerala received a shortfall of 3.16 million units of electricity on Tuesday. The peak time shortfall was more than 580 MW.

“The current crisis will continue for the time being. KSEB is not even able to buy electricity from outside. I regret the difficulties faced by the people. It is expected that the coal crisis will be resolved by the 15th of this month” -Sunny Joseph, Minister of Power