Published Sep 14, 2026 | 11:55 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 14, 2026 | 11:59 AM
Three KSEB directors will travel to northern states on Monday, September 14, to hold discussions with distribution companies.
Synopsis: KSEB is seeking additional electricity from other states to tackle Keralam’s ongoing power shortage and avoid further restrictions. Three directors will hold talks with distribution companies in Bihar, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The board has also secured approval to buy power at up to Rs 30 per unit to meet demand.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is looking to procure as much additional electricity as possible from other states to tide over the ongoing power shortage and avoid imposing further restrictions in Keralam.
Three KSEB directors will travel to northern states on Monday, September 14, to hold discussions with distribution companies in Bihar, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
The delegation will explore the possibility of purchasing any additional power available from these states as the board steps up efforts to bridge the supply gap.
The move comes amid growing electricity demand in Keralam and increasing instances of power cuts in several parts of the state. Some areas have been experiencing power interruptions as many as three times during the night.
KSEB has also secured the Keralam government’s permission to purchase electricity at prices of up to Rs 30 per unit, significantly higher than the existing ceiling of Rs 10 per unit permitted by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The board had approached the government seeking approval to procure power at higher rates, pointing out that several other states facing similar shortages were purchasing electricity at substantially higher prices to meet their immediate requirements.
Following discussions between Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph and KSEB Chairman M.G. Rajamanickam, the government approved the proposal with the aim of preventing power restrictions as far as possible.
As part of the immediate arrangement, KSEB will purchase 300 MW from National Thermal Power Corporation
(NTPC)’s Ratnagiri power plant at Rs 30 per unit.
The supply will be available until September 30.
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The board has also reached verbal agreements to procure another 150 MW each from Odisha and the Nuclear Power Corporation.
While power from Odisha is expected to cost Rs 10 per unit, the price for electricity from the Nuclear Power Corporation will be finalised once the supply is formally approved.
With around 600 MW of additional power expected from these sources, KSEB hopes to manage the present shortage without resorting to widespread power restrictions.
The board’s discussions with distribution companies in other states are part of a parallel effort to secure more electricity at a time when Keralam is struggling to meet peak demand.
KSEB is examining all available short-term procurement options to ensure adequate power supply in the coming days.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
