T’puram: CM V D Satheesan defended the state’s decision to impose power cuts, saying power shortage was driven by unprecedented demand and a host of factors beyond the govt’s control. Satheesan said Kerala was witnessing the highest power demand in its history this season and rejected criticism that the crisis came up during UDF govt’s two-month tenure.“Govt did not create these power cut scenarios in 30 days. No govt will deliberately decide to keep people in the dark for an hour,” he said. He attributed the crisis to deficient rain, a sharp decline in water levels in dams, an 80% fall in hydel power generation, inadequate availability of power in the national power grid and a surge of nearly 1,000MW in consumption compared to last year.Satheesan said govt had not anticipated a severe drop in dam levels or the shortage of power in the open market. He noted that similar challenges were seen across India and said govt already procured 200MW at Rs 5.9/unit while continuing efforts to secure additional power at lower rates.Satheesan blamed LDF regime for cancelling the Oommen Chandy administration’s long-term power purchase pact. He said the pact ensured power at Rs 4.29/unit for 25 years. “Oommen Chandy govt had entered into a 25-year agreement to procure power at Rs 4.29/unit. The contract was honoured for a year under UDF regime and seven years under LDF regime before it was cancelled in the eighth year. Thereafter, power was purchased from Adani Group at rates ranging from Rs 8 to Rs 14/unit,” he alleged.Had the agreement remained, the supplier would have been obligated to provide power, he said, adding that neither the then CM nor the power minister explained why the contract was terminated.
