The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is unlikely to impose load-shedding till July 31.
A high-level meeting held at the behest of Board chairman N.S. Pillai here on Monday decided to source power from exchanges, even though the peak-time tariff is soaring, and meet the demands till the month end.
It was also decided to make optimum use of the water in the reservoirs of the generating stations. According to board estimates till June, there was a 21% shortfall in the water inflow to the reservoirs. This had seriously derailed the board’s power projections and purchase plans.
State eligibility
The State is eligible for 1,600 MW from the Central pool. Due to annual maintenance works in generators and other technical hitches, the State could draw only 1,150 MW-1,200 MW. This was also a tough challenge for the Board.
There was also a shortfall of 150MW to 240 MW from the 1,100 MW that the Board was planning to bring to the State through long-term power purchase agreements. During the last 10 days, the power deficit was also quite high.
Still, the board managed to avoid power restrictions. It is hoping to adopt a similar plan for the fortnight ahead, board sources said.
The unprecedented rice in consumption during the summer season and scanty rainfall had added to the woes of the board. The general consumption of power in the State has come down since June. Still, the gap is too yawning and the current challenge is to bridge it, sources say. Hence, the board is hopeful of averting load-shedding and other restrictions till July 31.