KOCHI: KSEB officials said that they are not aware of the order to provide free electricity for life-saving equipment. Even senior officials in the section offices are unaware of the order issued by their own department.

An order was issued in November 2019 to completely free up electricity for life-saving equipment such as airbeds, suction equipment and oxygen concentrators that run on electricity. It will benefit tens of thousands of families.

Officials are turning a blind eye to those who have sought this benefit, saying that they are only allowed to give up to 100 units for free under the 2014 order and have not received any other order. The specific order is also available on the board's official Facebook page.

Tomin J Mukkada, a native of Kottayam, who uses an oxygen concentrator at his house for his father's treatment, has been frequenting multiple section offices for more than two months. The officials say that they are unaware of this. Top officials at KSEB headquarters were contacted. A copy of the order was also submitted. Tomin is now preparing to file a complaint to the minister.

The exemption is for six months
The Assistant Engineer should calculate the amount of power required per month for life-saving equipment. The exemption will be allowed for six months. The exemption will continue on the certificate that the life-saving system is further required.

To apply

Domestic consumers are eligible for the benefit. The application written on white paper should be submitted to the Assistant Engineer in the section office. The application must be accompanied by a certificate from a government doctor certifying that the device used by the patient is essential for survival.

The prescribed affidavit should also be submitted on a Rs 200 stamp paper.