Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has sought approval from the State Electricity Regulatory Commission to increase the power tariff by 32 paise per unit for a period of ten months. The proposal aims to recover an additional ₹745.86 crore incurred in 2023-24 due to higher power purchase costs.

The request comes just months after a previous hike of 16 paise per unit in December.

The KSEB attributed the increase to multiple factors. Several long-term contracts for procuring electricity at lower rates were cancelled due to regulatory violations. As a result, the board had to procure electricity at higher rates, contributing to the financial burden.

Additionally, a rainfall deficit in 2023-24 forced KSEB to rely more heavily on thermal power, which is significantly costlier than hydropower. KSEB argues that a sharp spike in electricity consumption during the year further strained the supply system.

The regulatory commission fixes the ratio between hydro and thermal power each year. However, due to the unexpected reliance on thermal power in 2023-24, this ratio was disrupted, leading to excess costs. According to KSEB, it had spent ₹12,982.63 crore on power procurement in 2023-24.

According to regulations, the board is entitled to request such additional expenses in situations like this. A public hearing on the proposal will be held on May 27 at the Commission’s headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.