Government Scrambles for Power as Keralam Faces Power Shortage, Power Cuts

Thiruvananthapuram: With Keralam plunged into darkness amid what is being described as planning failures by the UDF government, authorities are now scrambling to secure additional electricity. Facing mounting public criticism over unexpected power cuts, the government is looking to overcome the crisis by purchasing electricity from other states at significantly higher rates.

Discussions will be held with Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to explore the possibility of procuring additional power. KSEB directors will be sent to hold talks with officials in these states.

The immediate objective is to ensure adequate power supply during peak-demand hours. For this, electricity is being procured from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at a steep rate of ₹30 per unit. The board currently has approval to purchase power at rates of up to ₹10 per unit. The move will therefore also result in additional charges for electricity.

When the crisis first emerged, officials and employee organisations had urged the UDF government to take immediate action. Had the government intervened at that stage, the situation could have been avoided, the criticism goes.

The previous LDF government, whenever it received indications of a potential power shortage, had entered into agreements with other states to procure additional electricity and prevent load shedding.