THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Allegedly, KSEB, which is rushing to restore long-term contracts cancelled by the Regulatory Commission, is not interested in completing its own hydropower projects. Many of these are aimed at generating electricity using surplus water from existing hydropower projects.

The construction of 128 hydropower projects is dragging on for more than 10 years. Projects are delayed due to defects in design, delays in land acquisition, mismanagement by officials and corruption. Once these are completed, 778 MW of electricity will be available. The cost of production is less than one rupee. At present, electricity is being purchased from the power exchange at a price of Rs 8 to 12 per unit to avoid power shortages during peak hours. Electricity is being purchased by paying Rs.4 to Rs.6 according to the existing contracts as well. Consumers are the ones who bear the entire burden of overpriced purchases. A cess of 10 to 19 paise per unit is also being levied since the electricity is being purchased from outside.

Kerala has one of the highest electricity rates in the country. Electricity rates are going to be increased again next week. Only 25% of the requirement is being produced in the state currently.

12 crores is enough for Bhoothathankettu

In the project to generate 24MW using surplus water at Bhoothathankett, only the work of installing the machine is left. Electricity can be generated 12 crores is spent on the machine. The machine was to be purchased from a company called Hunanhwang. Sree Saravana Engineering Bhavani company, which had undertaken the construction, was unable to pay due to a financial crisis. KSEB intervened and entered into a tripartite agreement involving Saravana and Hunanhwang to purchase the machine. With Dr. B Ashok's removal from the post of Chairman, KSEB is of a position that the agreement cannot be fulfilled.

This is a 231-crore project that was supposed to be completed by 2016. Electricity worth Rs 32 crore is being lost annually due to non-production.

Pallivasal is eating money

Construction was started in 2007 to generate more than 60 MW. It was supposed to be completed in 2017. 175 crore was the expected expenditure but it has reached 430 crore now. After generating electricity in Mattupetty, the discharged water is brought to Pallivasal to generate electricity. The aim is to generate 60 MW using the discharged water after that.

Major projects stalled

(Generating Capacity in MW)

Pallivasal.......................................60

Thottiyar ...................................... 40

Mankulam................................... 40

Pambar......................................... 40

Chenkulam ................................. 24

Upper Chenkulam ................... 24

Kakkadampoyil..........................20

Achankovil.................................. 30

Vakkalaru.................................... 24

Peringalkuthu ........................... 24

Bhoothathankettu................... 24

Chinnar........................................ 24

Keezharkuth .............................. 15

Karikayam................................... 15

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Annual cost to purchase electricity: Rs. 8900-11000 crore