KSEB grapples with solar power mystery amidst energy crisis; Regulatory Commission urges investigation

Thursday 21 March, 2024 | 11:30 PM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSEB, grappling with a severe power crisis, is encountering a mystery despite repeated suggestions from the Regulatory Commission that solar generation could offer a lasting solution.

A unit is procured from external sources for Rs 10, with the liability being charged to the monthly bill. Simultaneously, the fee for accepting additional arrivals at rooftop solar has been reduced. Just yesterday, the commission thwarted attempts to discontinue the net meter system, prompting calls for an investigation into the cause of solar power failures.

KSEB presented a perplexing argument before the commission, contending that purchasing solar power and supplying grid power for household use is financially unsustainable. Solar generation predominantly occurs during off-peak daylight hours. Bearing the loss by procuring electricity at Rs 2.69 per unit and paying Rs 10 per unit during peak nighttime hours is deemed unfeasible.

Daily consumption exceeds 5000 MW amidst scorching heat. Despite utilizing the central grid and outsourcing, an additional 500 MW is purchased daily from the high-priced electricity exchange. However, augmenting solar generation remains elusive. The commission noted KSEB's belief that by 2030, 50 percent of the required electricity could be generated from solar.

Solar panels have yet to be installed at the Ponmudi, Kallarkutty, Senkulam, Kallar, Kundala, Mattupetti, Anairangal, Aruvikkara and Peppara dams.

KSEB has not progressed on the 92 MW solar proposal at Kayamkulam NTPC and the additional 50 MW above canals.

Although Kochi Airport is powered by solar energy, plans to replicate this model in industrial establishments remain tentative.

If KSEB continues to incur substantial losses, demands for privatization are likely to escalate.

- TK Jose, Chairman of the Regulatory Commission

Rajasthan: 17,055 MW

Gujarat: 9,256 MW

Karnataka: 8,241 MW

Tamil Nadu: 6,736 MW

Telangana: 4,666 MW

Andhra Pradesh: 4,534 MW

Kerala: Only 986 MW