No meters for those who installed solar panels; customers unable to use solar despite months after installation

THRISSUR: KSEB has made it difficult for those who are switching to solar in search of a new way to solve the electricity shortage. The situation is that solar cannot be operated because KSEB meters have not been installed in the houses where solar has been installed for months. When contacting KSEB, the reply is that there are no meters in stock.

KSEB has instructed those who need it to buy meters from private institutions and install them. People are being told that the price will be Rs 2000. With the shortage of meters, private institutions are charging Rs 4000. Meters are mainly available in Ernakulam. Therefore, many are waiting for KSEB meters to arrive. There are houses in various parts where solar power has been installed without installing meters for more than four months.

The electricity from solar power is given to the Electricity Board. The vast majority of people give electricity to KSEB since it would cost a huge amount to buy batteries to store electricity in the houses and use it. KSEB meters should be installed for this. Rent will also be charged from the owner.

Government will encourage, KSEB will say they are helpless

The government is encouraging the installation of solar panels as a solution when Kerala purchases electricity from outside. The central and state governments are also providing subsidies for this. It is alleged that KSEB is discouraging this.

"There has been no stock of meters for more than three months. The purchase department of KSEB has been informed. KSEB is providing connections to those who buy and install their own meters. Meter rent is not charged from them. Three-phase meters are in stock but most people want single-phase meters."

-Sadiq,

Executive Engineer,

KSEB, Thrissur

Solar power cannot be provided in many homes without meters. The work of installing solar panels is also in crisis.

-Solar company representatives