Consumers in disarray as KSEB decides to continue collecting 9 paise surcharge

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) on Tuesday authorised the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to continue collecting a surcharge of 9 paise per unit in January.

This charge, which will be used to clear pending payments, comes as a setback to consumers who were hoping for relief in the new year.

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Out of the 19 paise surcharge, 10 paise was determined by KSEB, while 9 paise received approval from the Regulatory Commission. The surcharge aims to offset the temporary rise in costs associated with purchasing thermal power due to surging fuel prices.

KSEB has sought approval for an additional surcharge of 17 paise per unit in December to recover ₹37 crore spent on power purchases between April and July 2024. The Commission has yet to decide on this demand, leaving the possibility of further increases in consumer bills.