Kerala power crisis: Power cuts likely to reduce to once a day as KSEB secures additional 300 MW

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has secured an additional 300 MW of power from next Monday, providing some relief as the state grapples with a supply shortage.

Of the additional power, 150 MW will come through NTPC, while another 150 MW will be sourced from Odisha-based public sector power company GRIDCO, following an understanding reached with the company.

The move comes as Kerala faced a power deficit of around 900 MW on Monday. With the additional supply, the shortfall is expected to come down to about 600 MW.

KSEB plans more purchases from power exchanges

The remaining power requirement will be met through purchases from three major power exchanges. According to the KSEB's plan, electricity will be bought after 6 pm in 15-minute blocks, when the state faces high demand.

The board had managed to purchase around 550 MW from the real-time market on Sunday night.

KSEB officials are also looking for more sources to meet the state's peak-hour demand. Directors of the board have been travelling to northern states to hold discussions with electricity boards and state governments on possible additional supplies.

KSEB avoids power above Rs 10 per unit

The board is also cautious about purchasing electricity at exceptionally high prices. A national policy bars electricity purchases at rates above Rs 10 per unit, and KSEB is avoiding attempts to procure power beyond that limit.

The additional purchases could increase the financial burden on the state. However, the Kerala Government has no immediate plan to pass the higher cost on to consumers, according to the information available.

Power cuts likely to reduce

The increased availability of electricity is expected to ease the restrictions currently imposed in several parts of Kerala.

Areas that have been experiencing power cuts up to three times a day could see the interruptions reduced to once a day, according to the assessment.

KSEB is continuing to depend on power-market purchases while negotiating with other states to bridge the supply gap and reduce the impact of the shortage.