Low cost of production, KSEB tormenting consumers even as it has to collect Rs 3200 crores

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSEB, which sells surplus electricity at a price higher than the purchase price and generates hydroelectricity at a low cost, is planning to increase the electricity tariff. It is clear that the KSEB is making this move as it did not collect Rs 3200 crore in arrears and due to its extravagance. Along with it, it also has salary and pension liabilities.

The board is putting all these burdens on the shoulders of consumers by constantly hiking the electricity rates. Today, India is a power surplus country. Attempts are being made to increase the charges here when power is available all day for an average of Rs 3 - 3.50.

Hydroelectricity, which does not cost a single rupee per unit of production, and power from the central grid purchased for three rupees per unit are being sold for an average rate of five rupees.

The price had risen to Rs 18 per unit during the weeks that witnessed a shortage of coal. KSEB claims that it suffered a loss of 11 paise per unit during that period as it had to purchase power from outside at a higher price. The board's move is to increase the electricity charge by more than 10 percent. People are worried about the decision of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, which regulates tariffs.

Profit share in Maharashtra is 252 crore

• 13,602 MW: Generating capacity in Maharashtra
• 25,500 MW: Capacity including external purchase
• Number of employees of Maharashtra Power Generation Company: 15000
• 252 crore: Profit share paid to the government in 2019-29

33,000 employees in Kerala for 2823 MW

• 2823 MW: Generating capacity in Kerala
• 4200 MW: Capacity including external purchases
• Number of KSEB employees: 33,000
  

Losses

• 12,104 crore: Total loss till 2019–20
• 71.50 lakhs: Daily loss
• 3200 crore: Total arrears
• 1200 crore: Government's arrears
• 817 crore: Water Authority arrears
• 12,419 crore: To be paid into the pension fund

Suffered loss of Rs 6,627 crore in 7 years

• 2014-15 ........ 1272.90 crores
• 2015-16 .......... 696.97 crores
• 2016-17 ........ 1494.63 crores
• 2017-18 .......... 784.09 crores
• 2018-19 .......... 290.00 crores
• 2019-20 .......... 269.55 crores
• 2020-21 ........ 1822.35 crores.