Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is getting electricity from 27 thermal power plants outside the state. Out of this, power production was halted in three plants. The major power plants from where Kerala purchases electricity have own coal mines and the coal shortage has not affected them yet.

However, if the ongoing crisis hits these power plants, more restrictions will be enforced in the state, said KSEB chairman Dr B Ashok. The situation is likely to improve by October 19, it is learnt.

Rs 2 crore extra expense

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) convened a meeting on Sunday to evaluate the availability of power. It was decided in the meeting to spend extra Rs 2 crore on a daily basis to purchase electricity so that power outage can be avoided.

The diesel power plant at Nallam in Kozhikode which remains unused will start functioning. The electricity produced in this plant costs Rs 19 per unit. Also Koodankulam nuclear power plant has resumed supplying 130 megawatt power.

Power consumption

Peak hour – 6.30 pm – 11 pm

Total required power – 3750 megawatt

Supply from power plants

Thermal power plants – 2500 megawatt

Hydroelectric power plants – 1000 megawatt

Nuclear power plants – 250 megawatt