Kerala grappling with nighttime power cuts, mostly due to lack of electricity from other states,Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said . Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram,he explained that electricity costs about 45 paise per unit during day,but state can't secure supply at night,even willing to pay ₹10 per unit.
Minister stressed Kerala must return 400 MW of borrowed power from northern states, used during peak demand in March and April . Hydel projects struggling too. Reservoir levels plummeted from 47% last year to 21% now. Low rainfall worsening issue.
Despite hurdles,Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) buys whatever power it can from neighboring states. But Joseph noted regulatory caps stop purchases beyond ₹10 per unit. “Power market's cutthroat. We can't buy over ₹10 per unit. We're managing,” he said.
On timing of power cuts, especially during FIFA World Cup matches,Joseph dismissed claims outages were intentional. He clarified lack of electricity in market caused it,not deliberate action. “We can't store electricity,” he added.
Joseph also pointed to solar energy's potential to boost daytime supply but admitted battery storage for night isn't widespread yet. “Few projects started . New tech needed,we're working on it,” he said.
Amid power crisis,minister urged public to cut electricity use voluntarily. He shared his own conservation efforts at home,expressing concern over wasteful habits,citing video of misuse at municipal office . “I urge everyone to be careful with electricity,” he urged.
If power shortage worsens,buying more electricity from outside only option,Joseph warned. He mentioned KSEB's long-term deal to get 465 MW at ₹4.69 per unit from private firm,case pending in Supreme Court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal will represent KSEB,case expected next month…
