Thiruvananthapuram: The regulatory commission which had scrapped low-priced electricity contracts earlier citing violations of rules and regulations may sanction far more costlier contracts. The commission had scrapped 25-year-long contracts for availing electricity at an average price of Rs 4.5 per unit. 

Interestingly, the latest annual contracts in consideration vary between Rs 4.91 and Rs 6.24. Apparently, the companies whose earlier contracts were scrapped now will be in a position to sell electricity to the board at higher prices. And strangely, the commission seems to adhere to their demands.

In short, as of now, the companies have emerged as the beneficiaries in the tussle, and the burden seems to fall upon the public. The regulatory commission is winding up the procedures on the new tender applications submitted by the KSEB. The commission is likely to sanction the new contracts on Monday.

The four contracts that were earlier scrapped by the regulatory commission were sanctioned during the UDF rule in 2014. Despite being well aware of the fact that scraping off long-term contracts amidst rising consumption will burden the public, the government and KSEB have stood their ground, with zero tolerance for contract violations.   

Earlier, the commission had given a 75-day- window to KSEB to decide upon the new contracts. Companies such as Adani Enterprises, TATA Power Trading Company, and GMR are among the frontrunners for the contract.