There have been increasing incidents of people reaching the electricity board office and creating ruckuses in protest of unannounced power outages. The most recent incident occurred yesterday when a group of consumers committed minor violence and caused damage in the office at Pantheeramkavu in Kozhikode. No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands and no one encourages such actions. However, there is no need to explain the discomfort the consumers have to face when the electricity fails in the unbearable heat. Naturally, public anger will rise. In view of the increase in power consumption and demand during peak load times in the state, local control has been introduced in areas of increased load. Deputy Chief Engineers have been assigned for this purpose. The board has sought people's cooperation by issuing instructions such as reducing the use of electricity from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am, setting the air-conditioner system not below 26 degrees, avoiding using unnecessary lights especially decorative lights, and avoiding running the machines of manufacturing units that require a large amount of electricity during this time. The official notification also says that if people cooperate, the crisis can be resolved without load shedding.

The electricity bill gives the consumers a blow in the dark along with the power outage. It is doubtful if there is any other state like Kerala that charges such a high price for electricity. The board does not show any customer friendliness in preparing the electricity bill. On top of the electricity generated in the state, the electricity received through various contracts and the central subsidy, more electricity is purchased from outside at a huge rate to keep up with the consumption. This is added as a surcharge in addition to the prevailing rates. Despite squeezing the customer in the name of rate hikes, the salary and other benefits of KSEB employees are almost double that of employees from other service sectors. This is one of the many reasons why people protest against electricity workers. However, it is a fact that KSEB offices have changed compared to the past. Complaints are now being responded to immediately from most of the offices. The only consolation is that the power department is headed by the people's favourite minister K Krishnankutty. Basically an agriculturist, he does not allow any activities that are not beneficial to the public. However, it does not seem that even the minister can claim that he can do things as he wants in the board which has been controlled by the unions for a long time. It's not too late to reduce power transmission losses and reduce board costs.

The number of people who want to go solar is increasing day by day. However, it cannot be said that there is an encouraging approach from the electricity board. There is a strong allegation that KSEB is unable to provide meters to many who have already installed solar units. The board should provide all necessary assistance to those who depend on solar and think of measures to reduce electricity rates as soon as possible.