Thiruvananthapuram: Amid the escalating power crisis in Kerala, the BJP on Saturday targeted the previous LDF government, alleging that the cancellation of long-term power purchase agreements had saddled the state with an additional financial burden of over Rs 2,130 crore.

The opposition party alleged that the cancellation of the low-cost power contracts was the result of an "understanding" between the Pinarayi Vijayan government, then Power Minister K Krishnankutty and the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSREC).

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In a statement, BJP national executive member Kummanam Rajasekharan said that under the long-term agreements signed during the previous UDF government in 2014 with companies, including Jhabua Power and Jindal Power, Kerala was to receive 465 MW of electricity for 25 years at rates ranging from Rs 4.26 to Rs 4.29 per unit.

However, the KSERC cancelled the agreements in May 2023, citing procedural and technical issues, Rajasekharan said.

He alleged that the previous Left government had failed to make an effective intervention to protect the contracts despite there being avenues to retain the low-cost agreements.

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Rajasekharan also claimed that then Chief Secretary Paul Antony and KSEB Chairman N S Pillai had advised the government, the power minister and the regulatory commission against cancelling the agreements.

He said the Vijayan government had appointed retired Additional Chief Secretary T K Jose as chairman of the KSERC following a Cabinet decision in November 2022 and, therefore, could not evade responsibility for the commission's decision.

The BJP leader alleged that the Commission did not explore possibilities to retain the low-cost agreements and instead proceeded with their cancellation.

Following the cancellation, the KSEB had to procure power from exchanges and other sources at higher rates, with the price touching Rs 7 to Rs 10 per unit at certain stages, he claimed.

Citing official KSEB figures, Rajasekharan said the cancellation had resulted in an additional financial burden of more than Rs 2,130 crore on the board.

He alleged that the burden of procuring electricity at higher rates was ultimately being passed on to consumers through surcharges and increased electricity bills.

The senior leader demanded a comprehensive probe into the circumstances that led to the cancellation, the role of officials and the steps taken by the government and authorities to protect the agreements.

He also sought fixing responsibility for any procedural lapses and legal action against those found responsible.

The BJP leader also urged Chief Minister V D Satheesan to order a comprehensive inquiry into the decisions of the regulatory commission, officials and the previous government. PTI