18 hrs ago
KSEB Seeks Approval to Buy Costlier Power Amid Kerala Crisis
Kerala is using more electricity than usual, especially at night.
This has caused power shortages and some outages.
The Kerala State Electricity Board wants permission to buy more electricity, even if it costs more.
Officials will also speak with other states and central institutions about getting extra power.
Solar energy could help, but storing it for use at night is still difficult.
The state may pay consumers for electricity they generate and supply at night.
The minister asked people to avoid wasting electricity and unnecessary decorative lighting.
He also said the shortage might have been avoided if an older long-term power agreement had continued.
Kerala State Electricity Board plans to seek approval to buy additional electricity at higher prices.
Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said rising consumption and procurement difficulties have contributed to night-time outages.
KSEB board members will visit other states to explore possible additional power supplies.
The state is considering solar power, battery storage, and buying consumer-generated electricity for night-time use.
Joseph urged residents to reduce unnecessary consumption and said an earlier long-term power agreement might have prevented the crisis.
- Who
- The Kerala State Electricity Board and Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph are leading the response.
- What
- KSEB plans to seek permission to procure additional electricity at higher prices.
- Where
- Kerala, with officials also exploring supplies from other states and central institutions.
- When
- The announcement was made on Sunday amid the ongoing power shortage.
- Why
- Electricity demand has risen sharply while KSEB faces difficulty obtaining additional power.
Key facts
- Main proposal
- Seek state approval to purchase additional electricity at higher prices.
- Electricity provider
- Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).
- Reported problem
- Power outages, particularly at night, amid increased consumption.
- Additional supply efforts
- KSEB members will discuss possible supplies with officials in other states.
- Solar option
- Solar generation is being considered, but effective nighttime storage remains a challenge.
- Consumer generation
- The state is prepared to buy electricity generated by consumers for nighttime supply.
- Public appeal
- Residents were urged to avoid unnecessary electricity use and decorative lighting.
Quotes
Sunny Joseph
Kerala Electricity Minister discussing options to address the power shortage
“We have solar production, but the mechanism to store and process it for nighttime use—like Battery Energy Storage Systems—has not become effective yet. We will think about ways to encourage and bring everyone into it. They need to be given incentives.”
CNBC TV 18
“We are currently exploring all options to procure as much power as possible from central government institutions and other states. Even if it means buying at a higher price, permission should be granted by the state.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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