Will the state face darkness again? Possibility of power cuts from day after tomorrow as crisis deepens

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Power restrictions are likely to be re-imposed in the state after a short gap. The power restrictions could come into effect from the day after tomorrow, as no decision has been made yet regarding the purchase of electricity from Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming month. Documents reveal that despite KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) reporting a severe power crisis, the government has not intervened to resolve the issue.

Although the price was as high as Rs 14 and 50 paise per unit, Himachal Pradesh had informed KSEB in writing that it could supply adequate electricity to the state until next May, just as it did in October. Although KSEB informed the government about this on September 28, no reply was received. Due to the delay in decision-making, Himachal Pradesh supplied the electricity it had agreed to give Kerala to Rajasthan at an additional price of one rupee. This escalated the crisis. However, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph clarified that purchasing electricity at such a high price would not be beneficial.

The availability of electricity in the real-time market is the only way to resolve the crisis. The restrictions can also be overcome if there is a decrease in electricity demand in other states. With the one-month contract for power received from Himachal Pradesh set to expire in two days, KSEB is also intensifying its efforts to resolve the crisis.