THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister and the Power Minister have differing opinions on the possibility of increasing electricity rates once again. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the government's stance is to avoid burdening the people. However, Minister K Krishnankutty's response was that he will announce whether the rates will be increased next year.

Chief Minister Vijayan also expressed concern about the cancellation of long-term power contracts by the Regulatory Commission emphasizing that this decision goes against the state's interests. The government will carefully consider how to address this issue. The Chief Minister made these remarks in response to the Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, who pointed out that the electricity board is attempting to impose a liability of Rs 6,000 crores on the state.

To mitigate the crisis resulting from the cancellation of long-term contracts, a short-term contract for 250 MW has been negotiated. It is currently uncertain whether rates will increase when this agreement takes effect, as the determination of rate changes falls under the jurisdiction of the Regulatory Commission. The government has taken steps to challenge the contract's cancellation by appealing to the Appellate Tribunal and has also established a Chief Secretary-level committee to investigate the matter. Minister Krishnankutty emphasized that a decision on rate changes can only be made after receiving the committee's report.