Where are our transformers, ask small-scale industries to KSEB

Kottayam: The Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. has given a 'shock’ to small-scale enterprises in the state by not providing transformers to them. 

The electricity board has not provided transformers to the entrepreneurs who have made the payment in advance. In 14 districts, 500 entrepreneurs await transformers in the state. The Electricity Board has placed blame on Kerala Electrical & Allied Engineering Co. Ltd., also known as KEL, who was contracted to build transformers. 

Electricity Minister Krishnankutty also said that transformers will be provided to small businesses and startups as soon as possible. Depending on the amount of electricity consumed, the transformers cost up to 10 lakh rupees.

Although the entrepreneurs have already paid this amount, the electricity is supplied through public transformers. If the transformer in the area has a capacity of 100 kw but the business requires 150 kw of power, then the excess load needs to be managed. However, even if excessive electricity is not used, the user must pay for the excess load every month. If the business owns its own transformer, then the amount for the consumed electricity needs to be paid to KSEB.

A. Nizarudeen, the state president of the Small Industries Association, accused the board of not providing transformers even after collecting payment in advance.

Until 2005, up to the consumption of 150 kw, the industries had to pay the low tension rate. However, post-2005, the low tension rate was reduced to 100 kw. When this caused an uproar, the board changed its stance, allowing a low voltage limit of 150 KW for startups under industrial estates.

Meanwhile, 2.5 lakh small entrepreneurs operate outside the industrial estates in the state. If they consume more than 100 kw, they will have to pay the high tension rate. Although this issue was raised in the meeting with the industrialists and the ministers, changes were not made by the board.