KSEB's request to hike electricity tariff; evidence collection by State Electricity Regulatory Commission to be completed today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The evidence collection by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission to hear public opinion on the request of KSEB to hike the electricity tariff sharply will be completed today. Commission chairman TK Jose will lead the evidence collection which will begin at 10.30 am at the panchayat association hall. In addition to those who gave their comments in writing earlier, those interested in speaking directly will also be heard today. Industry bodies, various businesses, industry and domestic consumer organizations and subject matter experts will provide feedback.

The detailed application submitted by KSEB has been published on the regulatory commission's website. KSEB had applied for a rate hike as the current tariff period ended on June 30.

The commission expects a detailed assessment with reasons. The commission's final order will come after consulting with experts, evaluating the figures and keeping in mind the public interest. The current tariff came into effect on November 1st last year and is likely to be revised at the same time this year as well.

KSEB wants additional summer rate

• KSEB is demanding that an additional summer charge be allowed at the rate of 10 paise per unit for increased power consumption during the summer months from January to the end of May. This is the first of such a move.
• KSEB is demanding an increase of 30 paise per unit this year, another 20 paise next year and an additional 2 paise per unit in 2026-27.
• It has also been proposed to provide 10 per cent reduction in daytime rates to small-scale industries with connected load above 20 kW and domestic consumers using electricity above 250 units. Another demand of KSEB is that a special tariff should be fixed by restricting the power consumed by solar consumers from the grid at night.

Rs 1,400 crore additional revenue sought

• If the rate is increased by 30 paise, this year's additional revenue will be Rs 812 crore
• If the rate is increased by 20 paise next year, the additional revenue will be Rs 549 crore
• If the rate is increased by 2 paise in 2026-27, it will fetch Rs 53.82 crore