Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) approved KSEB’s proposal to buy 200MW of round-the-clock (RTC) power for one year at Rs 5.96 per unit, while criticising the utility for delay in seeking approval despite the state facing a severe power shortage.The purchase will run from July 15, 2026, to July 14, 2027. Of the 200MW being bought, 100MW will be supplied through NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd from Meenakshi Energy Ltd and another 100MW through Power Pulse Trading Solutions Ltd from Adani Power Ltd’s Raipur thermal station.KSEB told the commission that it had no option but to procure RTC power as generators were unwilling to supply peak-hour power at reasonable rates. It cited weak monsoon conditions, low reservoir storage and a sharp rise in demand during night off-peak hours. Reservoir storage in hydel stations was nearly 28%, against about 60% in previous years, while peak demand had risen by more than 800MW from the expected level. KSEB projected a 500MW to 1,000MW peak-hour shortage on weekdays even after earlier short-term purchases.KSERC noted that KSEB floated the tender on June 15 and completed bidding, including e-reverse auction, by June 30. The discovered tariff was Rs 5.98 per unit for 100MW each from two bidders, later reduced by two paise after negotiations. However, KSEB filed the petition only on July 16, though supply was to start on July 15. “Since the state is facing a severe power crisis, KSEB should act promptly and avoid such delays in future,” the commission said.The commission also faulted KSEB’s internal appraisal, saying the financial impact, cost of supply and possible retail tariff implications were not properly assessed. It directed KSEB to back future proposals with correct demand-supply estimates and resource adequacy planning.KSERC asked KSEB to optimise scheduling of RTC power, especially during solar hours and low-load periods when cheaper power may be available. It also directed KSEB to prepare contingency plans for a demand crash if monsoon strengthens, including inter-state sale or banking arrangements. The commission said KSEB should avoid “irrational” load shedding and, if restrictions are unavoidable, announce schedules in advance and avoid frequent feeder-wise changes.
