THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the arrears piling up, KSEB has started sending notices and taking further action. With this, government institutions in the state with lakhs of arrears have sensed trouble.

Collecting dues will be a huge relief for KSEB, which is reeling due to severe financial crisis. There is Rs 1180 crores in additional expenditure and 11,000 crores in debt. The requirement to pay the amount in advance while buying power from the power exchange is causing severe stress. The government institutions including water authority have to pay Rs 3347 crore with interest. The arrears of the water authority alone is Rs 2479 crores. An additional amount of Rs 37 crores is incurred every month due to non-payment.

A one-time settlement option was given till December. Prizes were also announced for individuals and organizations through lots. KSEB explained that after that, notices will be sent and steps will be taken to cancel the connection to those who do not comply. Meanwhile, KSEB has denied the report of issuing dues notice to the secretariat. The housekeeping department of the secretariat also informed that no such notice has been received.