KSEB ‘working hard’ to tide over power shortage, says Keralam Electricity Minister

Keralam Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph on Friday said the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is “working hard” to tide over the power shortage in the State and that the Opposition should not blame the present UDF government, as lapses during the LDF’s tenure had also contributed to the current situation.

Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Mr. Joseph said the State was facing a severe power shortage as electricity demand had increased by more than 1,000 MW compared to the same period last year, while power generation had declined.

He said that there are situations where power restrictions must be enforced multiple times.

Mr. Joseph said that he held a special discussion with the KSEB chairman and board members about the crisis.

“It is not enough to adjust power cut schedules for just one single time slot because there is a severe power shortage. Compared to the same period last year, there is an additional demand of over 1,000 MW. That is the main issue,” he said.

Consumption up

Mr. Joseph said increased use of air conditioners and fans, along with the growing number of electric vehicles, had contributed to the rise in consumption.Peak hours had also shifted towards late night as people charge their electric vehicles after returning from work and other activities, he said.

“Consumption has increased, while generation has decreased. There is also a coal shortage, which is why we, along with all other States, received a letter from the Central government regarding this,” the Minister said.

He said the State could not immediately enter into long-term power purchase agreements, as such contracts require tenders, participation by eligible suppliers, regulatory approval, and several months to finalise.

KSEB was also unable to secure sufficient power through short-term purchases in the day-ahead and real-time markets, he said.

“There is no availability in those markets either. Since power generation has fallen and demand has surged nationwide, supply has dropped. According to demand-supply theory, when demand rises and supply falls, prices skyrocket,” Mr. Joseph said.

He said power was available at lower rates during the day due to solar generation, but the state did not currently have adequate infrastructure to store solar power for use at night.

Projects were underway to establish power storage facilities at Mylatti and Mulleria in Kasaragod, Sreekandapuram in Kannur, Pothencode in Thiruvananthapuram, and Areekode in Malappuram, he said.

“Work on a 500 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at Brahmapuram in Ernakulam district would begin once the land was cleared,” Mr. Joseph said.

He said the State generated only around 25% of its electricity requirement internally and had not been able to launch a major power project since the Idukki project. “Hydroelectric power is our primary source, but we are unable to start new hydroelectric projects,” he said.

Mr. Joseph said the State also faced difficulties in pursuing nuclear power projects despite suggestions from the Centre to explore that option.