THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Electricity Regulatory Commission has asked KSEB not to create panic among people by exaggerating losses and power crisis. Reduced rains have caused a drop in power availability in the state, but the shortfall due to the cancellation of long-term contracts is not unexpected. It is strange that KSEB, which has been running the electricity supply for so long, has not been able to resolve it. The commission asked to submit a clear report today on how much financial loss was there and how much electricity was shortfall. The commission's severe criticism came during the public hearing of the application submitted by KSEB seeking permission to continue long-term contracts as the state is facing a severe power crisis.

KSEB said that due to the cancellation of long-term contracts of 465 MW by the Regulatory Commission, the power from outside has also decreased. The concession given by the commission to buy electricity under the cancelled long-term contract until the availability of replacement power is ensured expires today. Buying electricity on a temporary basis costs more than ten crores a day. Even if a short-term contract is made, we have to wait until January to start getting electricity. The deadline for the concession to purchase power under the cancelled contract should be extended until a short-term contract is made or until January

The commission said it was unbelievable that 10 crores a day is being spent to buy electricity to solve the electricity deficit. The commission's decision is likely to come today after examining the figures submitted by KSEB. The stay granted by the High Court on the implementation of electricity tariff revision will also expire today. The High Court may announce a new decision in this regard today.