Kerala power crisis: What to expect from CM VD Satheesan’s new power policy in October

Kochi: Amid an ongoing electricity crisis, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has announced that the state will introduce a comprehensive new power policy in October, with a focus on strengthening power management, expanding renewable energy and moving towards self-sufficiency in electricity.

Satheesan described the current crisis as an opportunity to address Kerala’s long-term power requirements instead of relying only on short-term measures.

He said the proposed policy would seek a permanent solution to the challenges facing the state’s electricity sector.

While the detailed policy is yet to be unveiled, Satheesan outlined several priorities that are expected to shape the government's approach.

What will Kerala’s new power policy focus on?

1. Greater focus on renewable energy

The new policy will give greater importance to non-conventional sources of energy as Kerala seeks to reduce its dependence on conventional power sources.

2. Major push for solar power

Solar energy is expected to be a key component of the new policy. The government intends to make greater use of solar power as part of its effort to expand electricity generation within the state.

3. Moving towards power self-sufficiency

One of the broader objectives will be to make Kerala more self-sufficient in electricity. Satheesan said the state needs a long-term strategy to ensure adequate power availability as demand continues to rise.

4. Better power management

The policy is also expected to address how available electricity is managed. Satheesan said peak-hour management would have to continue for some time as the state deals with the present shortage.

5. Addressing rising electricity demand

According to the Chief Minister, increasing electricity demand is one of the reasons behind the current crisis. The new policy will therefore have to account for Kerala's growing power requirements and identify sustainable sources to meet them.

6. Reducing dependence on power purchases

Satheesan said electricity is currently difficult to procure from several parts of the country. Kerala is also still returning power obtained through a swap arrangement. The proposed policy is aimed at creating a more reliable long-term power supply rather than depending heavily on electricity available for purchase elsewhere.

7. Stronger accountability in power supply

The Chief Minister also alleged that a section of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) employees was unnecessarily switching off power multiple times a day in some areas, allegedly with the intention of worsening the crisis. He said action would be taken against those found deliberately disrupting supply.

8. Tackling resistance to renewable energy

Satheesan criticised what he described as resistance to renewable energy within sections of the KSEB. He questioned why some officials were allegedly opposed to the shift towards renewable sources.

The Chief Minister said the government would take responsibility for resolving the electricity crisis rather than shifting the blame elsewhere.

Alongside the comprehensive power policy promised for October, he also said a new electricity regulatory policy would be introduced this month.

For Kerala, the October policy is therefore expected to be more than a response to the immediate power shortage, with renewable energy, solar generation, demand management and greater energy security forming its broad contours.