Why is KSEB afraid of peak-hour power consumption? Regulatory Commission asks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Why is the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) afraid of high power consumption during peak hours? The Electricity Regulatory Commission has raised this question, saying that the focus should instead be on increasing power generation and storage to meet peak-hour demand. The commission made the observation during a hearing on the draft Multi-Year Tariff Regulations related to the revision of electricity tariffs.

The commission said KSEB does not appear to have taken significant steps in recent years to increase domestic power generation. It also pointed out that several Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects are not being completed on time. The 15 MW BESS project at Mulleria is the only one expected to be commissioned soon. The commission noted that 30 BESS projects have been commissioned across the country within a shorter period. It said KSEB should give priority not only to being a power distributor but also to becoming a power producer.

The commission also criticised KSEB for focusing on ways to discourage household rooftop solar projects. It said the board had not made significant efforts towards large-scale solar projects and energy storage. The two-day hearing, held in four sessions, concluded on Wednesday. Representatives of consumers and other stakeholders participated in the different sessions.

Commission chairman T.K. Jose and member B. Pradeep said the suggestions received during the hearing would be considered while preparing the final regulations. The commission plans to publish the final regulations this month.