THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister K Krishnankutty said that it is not possible to go ahead without increasing the power tariff even slightly. The minister said there would be an increase as the tariff petition prepared by KSEB regarding the revision of power tariff is yet to be submitted to the regulatory commission for approval.

Salaries should be paid to employees. The existence of KSEB should also be looked into. He said a final decision on the hike will be taken after the chief minister arrives.

The government aims to implement more hydropower projects. There will be five projects this year alone. However, the minister said not thinking of a controversial project like Athirappilly for the time being.

Production not increasing as per the increase in power consumption and buying more from outside are reasons for the hike. KSEB intends to increase the power tariff by a maximum of one rupee per unit for the next one year.