Representative image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Even after implementing a hike of Rs 1,090 crore in the electricity charges, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has failed to collect the arrears of Rs 2,771 crore from the consumers. Observing this lapse, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission criticized the KSEB and warned that such lapses cannot be tolerated.
The commission opined that delay to collect the arrears will lead to dependence on loans, which in turn increase the financial burden. It also said that a special team will be assigned to collect the arrears. The commission has decided on the duties of this recovery team.
The arrears till December 2021 add up to Rs 2,771 crore. It is learnt that the arrears should be paid by the government departments, public institutions, and private companies.
Reacting to this, the KSEB claimed that non-allocation of funds by the government and stay orders of courts led to the increase in the number of arrears. However, Minister for Electricity K Krishnankutty had informed that out of Rs 2,771 cr, only Rs 430 cr would not be levied due to court procedures.
Arrears (As per report submitted in Assembly)
Government offices, institutions - Rs 1,352 crore
Water authority - Rs 996.90 crore
Private companies - Rs 1,419 crore
Stayed by court - Rs 430.49 crore
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