The draft power policy, 2017, lays stress on a consensus path to setting up more hydro-electric stations in the State to meet the surging energy demand.
The policy, accessed by The Hindu, lays accent on hydro-electric power generation as a reliable source. Since the State could not set up major generation projects during the past three decades, there was an increased reliance on inter-State generating stations. The allocation from Central generating stations was about 1,607 MW, but future allocations are likely to dip following the changes in the National Power Policy. This calls for a thorough review of the power sector, the policy says.
Operational costs
The government would have to strike a balance to meet the growing demand for power at affordable rates and also maintain the fiscal health of the Kerala State Electricity Board. The focus is on rationalising the operational cost of the board and also the cost for carting power from other stations.
The occasional tariff dip in power market prompts bulk customers of the board to shift to other generators which offer competitive rates and return when the prices soar. This affects the loyal customers of the board. The infirm nature of renewable power and change in power flow due to open access transactions are two major challenges in grid management. But ancillary power market and grid-level storage devices required for managing such uncertainties continue to remain under-developed, the policy says.
The poor quality and unreliability of the board’s power supply system have forced consumers to spent substantially on ancillary equipment such as inverters, stabilisers, and generators.
Voltage fluctuations
Low voltage and prolonged interruptions are still prevailing in many parts of the State.
Transmission network inadequacy has been identified in many districts, including Malappuram and Idukki. The infrastructure for inter-State transmission needs to be augmented.
Among other efforts, it has been resolved to complete a 400 KV transmission highway across the State in three years. The policy hence lays accent on providing reliable and quality power to all.
Safety requirements
Electrical accidents have reached unacceptable levels. About 50% of the 500 electrical accidents reported annually are fatal.
A safety policy and a separate safety wing have been mooted to eliminate accidents.
Panchayat-level safety committees have been proposed for safety auditing. District-level safety committees headed District Collectors will be strengthened. The policy also seeks to enforce quality control on household electrical appliances.
