THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the acute power crisis, 128 hydropower projects in the state are halfway stalled due to mismanagement by KSEB. Once completed, these will generate 778 MW of electricity. Their construction has been stopped for more than ten years.

It is alleged that the authorities have a biased policy favoring water projects that can generate electricity at low cost like solar. The production cost of hydropower is less than Rs 1. The authorities do not prioritize utilizing such available generation potential while purchasing electricity at higher rates from the high-priced exchange.

Thermal and nuclear power plants have limitations in a densely populated state. Alternatives to them are solar and hydroelectric projects. According to the study, 1500 megawatts of electricity can be generated if solar plants are installed in at least one-fourth of the 77 lakh buildings in the state. According to the KSEB report, 70 percent of the rainwater received in the state is wasted.

At present, power is purchased from the exchange at a rate of Rs 8-12 per unit to avoid power shortage during peak hours. Consumers bear the burden of buying overpriced electricity. A cess of 10 to 19 paise per unit is also levied on foreign purchases. Kerala has one of the highest electricity rates in the country.

Defects in design, corruption

1. Defects in design, delay in site acquisition, etc., hinder the timely completion of projects.

2. Mismanagement and corruption by officials also contribute to delays.

3. The cost of construction increases by revising the estimate every year.

Major projects stopped halfway (generating capacity in MW)

- Pallivasal: 60

- Thottiyar: 40

- Mankulam: 40

- Pambar: 40

- Chenkulam: 24

- Upper Chenkulam: 24

- Kakkadampoyil: 20

- Achankovil: 30

- Vakkalar: 24

- Peringalkuth: 24

- Bhoothankett: 24

- Chinnar: 24

- Keezharkuth: 15

- Karikayam: 15

Annual cost to buy electricity: Rs 8,900-11,000 crore