Minister hints of power cut and tariff hike in state, decision on Aug 21 at high-level meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister K Krishnankutty said restrictions including load shedding and tariff hike may be necessary as the state is facing severe power crisis. A decision will be taken after holding talks with the chief minister. The consumption of power needs to be reduced during peak hours. The minister also stated that things including load shedding will be decided in the high-level meeting convened on August 21.

The water level in reservoirs has dipped alarmingly following weak monsoon. The present situation is that electricity has to be purchased at a higher price. The minister said the regulatory commission should take a decision on things including rate hike.

If there is no rain, power will be controlled after Onam. The issues including power cut were considered at the high-level committee meeting held yesterday to discuss the present power crisis. It was decided not to impose power cut immediately considering Onam season. The power cut will continue until the short-term contract starts getting electricity or rains.

There is no water in the dams of the hydroelectric generating stations as there are no rains. There is only 37 percent water in all dams. Idukki, the largest dam, has 32 percent water. 1531 million units of electricity can be generated using all this. In August alone, there was 90 percent less rain. With this, we cannot expect much water flow in the coming months.

As there are no rain, power consumption is soaring. Yesterday's consumption was 80.90 million units. Of this, only 25 million is purchased from the central grid. Due to the financial crisis, hydropower production has increased to 19 million units. Still, 31 million units need to be purchased.