Relief for State’s Power Crisis: KSEB Granted Permission to Purchase Additional Electricity
Thiruvananthapuram: To address the power crisis in the state caused by extreme heat, the Regulatory Commission has granted permission to KSEB to purchase additional electricity from external sources. This emergency measure is intended to resolve the shortage during the period from April to May 15.
KSEB can purchase up to a maximum of 250 MW of electricity. However, the Commission has directed that the price must not exceed ₹10 per unit. The power can be procured through exchanges by paying a maximum of five paise above the current ‘Day-Ahead Market’ rate.
The Board approached the Regulatory Commission as electricity consumption in the state reached record levels. On the 18th of this month, daily consumption hit 117 million units. There are instructions to form special committees to monitor the power purchase process and to inform the Commission weekly regarding the availability and rates of the electricity procured. Additionally, authorities have requested consumers to cooperate by minimizing electricity usage as much as possible during the peak hours of 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.