Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has disconnected the power supply to the regional office of the Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC) due to outstanding electricity bill arrears amounting to approximately two lakh rupees.
The action, taken by KSEB at the KMC office located in Fort Kochi, underscores the criticality of timely payment for uninterrupted services. Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar attributed the delay in settling the bill to technical issues rather than financial constraints, affirming the corporation’s commitment to rectify the situation promptly upon instructions to restore the connection.
This incident surfaces amidst a broader context of escalating electricity consumption across the state, primarily attributed to rising temperatures and a prevailing heatwave. Kerala’s Power Minister, K Krishnankutty, has sounded alarms regarding the necessity to curtail consumption to avert an impending crisis. Recent statistics reveal a surge in daily electricity consumption, surpassing 110.1 million units, prompting concerns about sustainability and operational efficiency. While assurances have been made regarding the avoidance of load shedding in the near term, sporadic power cuts have been reported, sparking discontent among consumers.
Moreover, KSEB faces the daunting task of balancing demand with the imperative of cost-effective energy sourcing. The reliance on expensive electricity generated from imported coal during shortages underscores the financial ramifications of inadequate supply management. Efforts to mitigate the crisis include bolstering hydropower generation, albeit at the expense of dwindling water reserves in dams. Despite increasing daily production to 21 million units, concerns persist regarding the sustainability of hydropower until the onset of the next monsoon. In response to these challenges, KSEB emphasises the importance of stringent consumption control measures and ongoing infrastructure enhancements. With the construction of 21 substations over the past two and a half years, the board asserts its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply while navigating the intricacies of demand-supply dynamics and financial prudence.
