THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the rate hike, KSEB has given a double blow to the public by increasing the service charge by 10 percent. The new rate came into force yesterday and is applicable for new connection, change of meter and change of ownership.

The service charges were increased in April 2018. Connection will continue to be free for those below the poverty line and those consuming less than 100 watts. Every year more than 30 lakh people apply for new connections or change of connection. More than twice as many applications are coming to change posts.

KSEB is losing a thousand crores annually. It is estimated that 720 crore of this can be met through tariff increases and the remaining loss through additional service charges. The Regulatory Commission was approached last year seeking an increase of up to 60 percent.

There are one and a half crore household connections in the state. Electricity rate was increased by 20 paise per unit on November 2023 and a surcharge of 19 paise per unit is also being levied.

Hike is not simple

Meter charge, wire cost, dry wire cost, cost of posts, supervision charge, service charge and GST should be paid while getting a new connection. Even if it is a ten percent increase, the total cost is sure to increase by 15 to 20 percent.

Service charge hike increase due to higher prices

KSEB says that the increase in the price of goods is the reason for the increase in service charges
There was a rate hike of 45 - 90 percent for transformers, 110 for ring main conversion and 24 percent for posts
KSEB informed the Regulatory Commission that the labour charge has increased by 44 percent.

Rate Current and Increase (in Brackets)

LT 5 KW single phase connection: Currently Rs.2100, (to be increased to Rs.2450)

10 KW single phase connection: Rs.4950 (Rs.5650)

25 KW three phase connection: Rs.16300 (Rs.17400)

50 KW Three Phase Connection: Rs.24450 (Rs.26800)

Single phase post change: Rs.7300 (Rs.7547)

Single Phase Post with Stay: Rs.8900 (Rs.11706)

Three phase post change: Rs.8400 (Rs.9365)

Threephase Post with Stay: Rs.9950 (Rs.12508)