Kerala explores power purchases to prevent fresh load shedding
The state faces an expected shortfall of 700-800 MW as an expensive supply arrangement with Himachal Pradesh faces uncertainty after October 31.
The Kerala government is looking to purchase electricity from other states to avoid a new spell of load shedding, according to Urban Acres.
Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said the state is in contact with various states to procure additional power to address an expected shortfall of 700-800 MW. He noted that high prices and uncertain supply are complicating these efforts.
Minister Joseph said Chief Minister V D Satheesan is directly involved in discussions with other states to secure supply. The minister expressed hope that market prices would decline, allowing the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to buy electricity at competitive rates.
Senior KSEB officials said the state's access to an expensive supply from Himachal Pradesh, priced at Rs 14.50 per unit, may become uncertain after October 31. While Himachal Pradesh offered up to 1,000 MW until May 2027, the government was not in favour of that rate and has not yet given KSEB permission to continue the arrangement.
KSEB is currently hoping to meet the shortfall through the power exchange, where electricity is expected to cost around Rs 10 per unit. Officials said availability in the exchange has improved over the last two days and could increase if temperatures in northern Indian states fall.
KSEB officials said relying on the exchange would leave the state dependent on daily market availability. The board may have to regulate demand and warn consumers a day in advance if restrictions become necessary.