PALAKKAD: Minister K Krishnankutty said that strict regulation would be needed and electricity rates may increase as the power crisis has gotten worse.

"The increase in charge will depend on how much electricity will be purchased. It will be decided by the regulatory board. A decision on whether to come up with load shedding will be taken after the high-level meeting on August 21st. Power regulation may be necessary in the state if there is no rain after Onam. KSEB is suffering a loss of Rs 10 crore per day by buying power from outside at higher prices. A surcharge is also being considered to cover the loss. The government will take further action based on the report given by the KSEB chairman on Monday," the minister said.