KSEB cuts power to patient on oxygen support in Kottayam over unpaid bills

Kottayam: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has disconnected the power supply to the home of a financially struggling patient who depends on an oxygen cylinder to breathe. The affected person, Rameshan, 58, of Thalayolaparambu, has now been forced to rely on a neighbour’s house for oxygen support.

KSEB officials cut the electricity at around 11 a.m. on Thursday, citing unpaid bills. With no power at home, Rameshan is currently operating the oxygen machine at a neighbour’s residence.

A cleaner by profession, Rameshan began experiencing severe breathing difficulties five years ago. He was later diagnosed with a lung-shrinking condition, and doctors advised continuous oxygen support using an electrically powered concentrator. Since then, he has been unable to continue working.

He has twice required ventilator support at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. His monthly medical expenses amount to around ₹2,000. Meanwhile, an electricity bill of ₹6,000 accumulated. The family survives solely on the modest income of his wife, Shaila, a MGNREGA worker. Their daughter, Layashree, a Class 6 student at Ezhumanthuruthu Government UP School, also depends on this income for her education.

KSEB says disconnection followed procedure

According to KSEB officials, the disconnection was carried out in accordance with regulations.

“A discount of about ₹3,000 is allowed on one bill as per the rules. At present, two bills are pending. The electricity was disconnected due to non-payment. Last time, after the intervention of local representatives, the family was permitted to pay in instalments, but they did not comply. KSEB has taken action as per the law,” said TA Arun, Assistant Engineer, KSEB Thalayolaparambu.