Keralam chief minister VD Satheesan on Friday chaired an emergency review meeting to address the power crisis in the state, even as electricity minister Sunny Joseph appealed for co-operation and flagged declining generation and high consumption due to charging of electric vehicles, low rainfall and use of air-conditioners and coolers.
CM Satheesan, taking note of the urgency of the situation, chaired the meeting with chief secretary Bishwanath Sinha and Kerala State Electricty Board (KSEB) CMD MG Rajamanickam.
“Directives have been issued for immediate, high-priority actions to resolve the crisis,” Satheesan said.
“People must understand that we cannot perform miracles. We are ready to buy electricity at the permissible tariff. The issue occurred due to the previous government and its decision to suspend long-standing power agreements with private suppliers,” the minister added. Joseph also said that there has been a sharp rise in power demand in the last few days due to multiple factors.
He said the state generates only 25% of its total power requirement with the rest being procured from outside. “Power demand, which stood at 4000 MW during the same period last year, has risen to 5200 MW this year. The cancellation of a long-term power agreement for 465 MW at ₹ 4.29 per unit by the previous government aggravated the situation, “ he said.
Charging of electric vehicles at night, use of air-conditioners and coolers and declining rainfall have been factors, he said.
Political Parties Urge Action on Power Crisis
Opposition parties, including the CPI(M) and BJP, are demanding immediate action to address the ongoing power crisis and reduce the frequent nighttime power outages.
On Friday, Minister Joseph acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that it cannot be resolved simply by “switching off a button.” He expressed empathy for affected families, particularly those with sick members and children, and appealed for public cooperation. “I am a public servant who has lived an ordinary life, so I can understand their sentiments. I am getting numerous calls and messages,” he said, highlighting the public’s distress over the issue.
