Amid efforts to tackle Kerala’s electricity shortage and continuing power restrictions, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s repeated criticism of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials has raised eyebrows.

At the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Chief Minister reportedly pulled up the power utility for failing to anticipate the electricity deficit and make preparations in advance. He also directed officials to restore a 130 MW generator at the Idukki hydroelectric plant at the earliest.

The generator had been shut down for annual maintenance. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph explained that taking the unit offline for routine servicing was unavoidable.

The latest criticism comes days after the Chief Minister made controversial remarks at a KSEB event in Kochi.

He accused some officials of opposing renewable energy projects. He also alleged that certain employees were deliberately switching off electricity and worsening the power crisis.

The remarks drew strong reactions from KSEB employees and trade unions. The KSEB Workers Association described the statement as an attempt to shift responsibility, while the KSEB Officers Association said such allegations could affect employee morale.

Both organisations called for a scientific examination of the reasons behind the shortage, pointing to factors including changes in weather, increased demand and bottlenecks in the power network.

KSEB Chairman and Managing Director M.G. Rajamanickam, without publicly confronting the Chief Minister, defended the workforce. He said employees were working professionally under difficult circumstances and noted that the present crisis had not developed in a single day. He also said he was unaware of the Chief Minister’s remarks.

Government explores additional power sources

The government is now looking at several options to bridge the electricity shortage.

Following the intervention of senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, Himachal Pradesh offered 250 MW to Kerala. However, the Cabinet assessed that the state would not be able to make full use of the offer under the present terms.

Only 80 MW would be available during the night, while the cost would be ₹13.50 per unit. Chief Minister said the government was also considering a long-term agreement that could provide a larger quantity of electricity.

The government also plans to implement pumped-storage projects, which it says will not create environmental problems. The Chief Minister said efforts were being made to completely withdraw the power restrictions within a week.

He also said the government would announce a new electricity policy after ensuring adequate storage facilities.

KSEB holds talks to secure more electricity

Power restrictions continued on Wednesday as Kerala had not secured any substantial additional supply.

KSEB directors held discussions in Delhi with BSES Yamuna and BSES Rajdhani, but no decision was reached.

Kerala has also agreed to procure 200 MW from Uttar Pradesh under similar terms. However, it is not yet clear when the supply will begin.

KSEB is scheduled to hold talks with Maharashtra’s Mahagenco on Friday. The board is also exploring an alternative to the costly electricity offered by Himachal Pradesh.

One proposal under discussion is to supply electricity from Kerala during the day and purchase power from the other state at night.

KSEB CMD has travelled to Mumbai for talks with the chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) on Thursday.

Kerala has been receiving 150 MW from the Centre at a rate of ₹4.65 per unit since the previous day.

The talks with NPCIL are part of the state’s efforts to secure additional electricity as it continues to deal with the shortage and power restrictions.