THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the LDF and the UDF engaged in a blame game over the power situation in the state, it would be worthwhile to note that the LDF too had imposed power restrictions - twice, in fact - during their tenure. But there were genuine reasons for doing so then, as noted by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission. For the present crisis, the KSEB has been squarely blamed for faulty planning.
During 2008-09, the LDF Government had restricted supply at normal tariff to 90 percent for HT/EHT consumers from July 25, 2008, to October 14, 2008. Similarly, normal tariff-based supply was restricted to 80 percent for LT consumers (other than domestic) from October 15, 2008, to April 30, 2009. Domestic consumption at normal tariff was restricted to 200 units a month for the domestic category during this period. In 2009-2010 - from April 1, 2010, to May 31, 2010 - consumption at normal tariff was restricted to 90 percent for HT/EHT consumers and 200 units a month for domestic consumption. Excess consumption was to be charged at Rs 7.25 per unit.
The Regulatory Commission observed that there was ample reason for imposing power restrictions on both occasions. “In both cases, the power situation was grave. 2008-09 was characterised by the forced shut-down of two major generating stations at Moozhiyar and Panniyar owing to tragic accidents coupled with unprecedented increase in crude oil prices, whereas in 2010-2011, there was considerable reduction in Central share owing to coal shortages and failure of monsoon in 2009,” the Commission noted in a recent order. For the present power restrictions, however, the Commission has criticised the KSEB for ‘lack of comprehensive generation planning exercise undertaken by the board.’
On Thursday, CPM leader and former Power Minister A K Balan had demanded investigation into the reasons for the present crisis, and CPI state secretary Pannian Raveendran even claimed that the LDF tenure had been free of powercuts and loadsheddings.
SERC Urged to Reject KSEB Plea
Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan has urged the State Electricity Regulatory Commission to reject the KSEB plea for hiking electricity tariff.
The KSEB was attempting to punish the consumers for its own shortcomings, he said in a statement. Despite getting ample share from the Central pool, the state was forced to suffer power restrictions owing to poor planning by the Board, he said.