THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the power crisis intensifying, the government has sought solutions from KSEB. The minister directed the KSEB chairman to look into the matter and submit a report on August 21st. Further action will be taken after examining the report. The government will decide whether to rely on means, including power cuts, after the 21st.

More than Rs 10 crore per day is spent every day on purchasing electricity from outside the state. The daily electricity consumption now stands at 63 million units. Consumption will increase as Onam approaches. With that, more electricity will have to be purchased. Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty had informed that KSEB cannot proceed without increasing the tariff. The hike will depend on how much electricity will be purchased. The minister also clarified that the decision should be taken by the regulatory board.

Although the deadline for increasing the electricity rates expired three months ago, the new rates could not be announced due to a stay by the High Court. Although KSEB is allowed to collect cess in the respective month to cover the loss of power purchase from outside, it has been reduced by the Regulatory Commission to 10 paise per unit.