Kerala State Electricity Board seeks nod for more power procurement

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File photo for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: Ragunathan S.R.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has sought the State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s permission for procuring electricity for meeting a deficit anticipated between September 1, 2026, and May 15, 2027.

The rates proposed by the supplying firms are in the range of ₹9 per unit or higher. The Commission has scheduled a hearing on the KSEB proposal on September 3. The KSEB has submitted its proposal on the basis of a decision taken by its Core Committee which looks into matters related to power purchase.

The KSEB has proposed the short-term procurements from eight suppliers, covering the peak evening hours when demand is on the higher side.

“After detailed deliberations, the Committee observed that the projected deficit was expected to increase substantially during the ensuing summer months (2027), necessitating timely procurement of additional power to ensure uninterrupted supply and to avoid load restrictions in the State,” the KSEB said in an August 24 petition to the Commission.

The Committee had examined the prevailing and anticipated power scenario, including the low reservoir levels, weak southwest monsoon, increasing electricity demand, and the likelihood of a further deterioration in power availability due to the impact of El Niño, according to the KSEB.

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