Expensive electricity worth Rs 1190 crore purchased in last five months, Battery energy storage imperative

THIRUVANNATHAPURAM: The Regulatory Commission has repeatedly directed KSEB to expedite the implementation of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the wake of the ongoing power crisis in the state.

The directive was issued while considering the application filed by KSEB for permission to purchase electricity at higher rates through short-term contracts. KSEB aims to purchase electricity from nine companies at a rate ranging from Rs 9.40 to Rs 12.50 per unit from this month to May next year.

KSEB informed the Commission of the situation that necessitated short-term contracts. The board also submitted the figures of expensive electricity purchase of Rs. 1190 crores, including through short-term contracts in the last 5 months. The Commission asked KSEB for more details related to the new short-term contracts. It also expressed concern over the non-timely completion of BESS projects for peak hours. The Commission inquired why the contract related to this could not be fulfilled properly.

As announced earlier, Kerala should get peak-time electricity from 'BESS' from this month. It should not be delayed any longer. Peak hours should be generated at full capacity by making daytime hydropower marginal. The Commission's opinion was that the figures of daytime electricity generation should be examined.

It was clarified that the additional costs caused by the lapses in KSEB's planning cannot be allowed to be reflected in the tariff of the consumers.