Kerala is basically a consumer state. Malayalis are at the forefront of buying all the goods that are needed to increase the quality of life, manufactured in other states and foreign countries. Even a very small house in Kerala will have all the essential electrical appliances except AC. All of this requires electricity to operate. We have not been able to generate enough electricity here. The additional need is fulfilled by buying electricity from outside. This costs a lot of money. Once the summer heats up, the use of electricity will increase exponentially. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate long-term plans to solve the power shortage.

The electricity we use is mainly generated from water. We can no longer initiate and implement any large hydropower projects due to various reasons. Hence we are planning to start a nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, it is a relief that two small hydropower projects are going to be commissioned next month. These are 60 MW Pallivasal Extension Project and 40 MW Thottiyar Project. Centre allotting coal quota to the state will lead to low-cost electricity supply. This is the first time that the state is getting coal quota. This will pave the way for 500 MW of electricity at low cost.

With the long-term coal linkage granted to Kerala, the state will get A-13 grade coal from a coal field in India. This can be used to generate electricity either in-house or from out-of-state thermal plants. This has finally been made possible as a result of the continuous efforts and interventions of Minister K Krishnankutty and KSEB. Kerala will continue to receive a ration of high-quality coal from now on. The electricity generated using this can be provided at Rs.3 per unit. Usually, it costs between Rs 8 to Rs 12 per unit and up to Rs 20 in summer. Kerala should focus on such low-cost power generation. Kerala's electricity consumption will further increase when Palakkad Industrial City becomes a reality.

According to the resource plan prepared by the Central Electricity Authority, Kerala will require additional coal-based power of 1473 MW by 2031-32. Current availability is only about 400 MW. The Centre was ready to allot the coal quota based on KSEB persuading the Centre. If solar power becomes widespread, we will be able to generate most of the electricity we need ourselves. The state should prepare for a special drive for that possibility as well. In ten years, all vehicles will be powered by electricity. The board has to plan accordingly.