THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has a tough task ahead meeting power demand, as soaring temperatures ensure that consumption records are breached with each passing day. Power consumption hit an all-time high of 104.63 million units (MU) on Wednesday. Maximum demand for the day was 5,197 MW.
This bettered the 103.86-MU mark set the previous day. Last Thursday, the state government issued an order stating that it would take over 75% of the loss, amounting to Rs 767.71 crore, incurred by the board during 2022-23. A senior power department official told TNIE this would help the board purchase power from the central grid in the months of April and May, when summer would be at its peak.
“The KSEB requires Rs 22 crore daily to purchase power from the central exchange. Currently, power is readily available on the grid as summer is yet to set in north India. Usually, Holi marks the onset of summer. But that has not been the case this year, which is a consolation for us. Demand for power across the country would go up as the Lok Sabha election campaign reaches a crescendo,” the official said.
This is expected to be accompanied by a spike in the price of power. Meanwhile, the decision taken by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to service its dues of Rs 2,068 crore over 10 instal- ments is unlikely to be adequate for the board to tide over the financial dire straits it finds itself in. But the KSEB top brass feels that this is better than nothing at all. It should also be recalled that the board has placed a request for a Rs 1,500-crore financial package from the state government.
KSEB can run on the interim aid for the time being. With the KWA proposal being considered by the state government, the chief minister- designated high-level committee, headed by the chief secretary, is yet to meet. KSEB has urged consumers not to use devices like pump sets, washing machines, iron boxes and air conditioners during peak evening hours.
Govt helps
The government has said it will take over 75% of loss,
amounting to Rs 767.71 crore, incurred by KSEB in 2022-23.
A senior power department official says the government’s move will help KSEB purchase power from central grid in the months of April and May, when summer will be at its peak
