Thiruvananthapuram, 11 Nov (H.S.):

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said no agreement had been signed with GNA to purchase electricity, rejecting the Opposition’s allegations over the government’s handling of power procurement.

Addressing a press conference, Satheesan said two proposals — involving Himachal Pradesh and GNA — had been placed before him to identify the better option. Although GNA was considered preferable, no contract had been concluded, he clarified.

The Chief Minister backed the Electricity Minister, saying his statements were “100 per cent correct” and that the minister himself had forwarded the file.

Referring to reports that the minister was unaware of a proposed shift to GNA, Satheesan reiterated that no agreement had been signed. He also questioned Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s claim that the government had withdrawn from the Himachal Pradesh arrangement and mocked CPI(M) leader M.V. Govindan’s understanding of the issue.

Satheesan blamed the previous government’s power procurement policies for the situation, alleging that it had relied on short-term purchases over the past decade without securing adequate long-term arrangements.

He said a report warning of future shortages and prolonged power cuts had prompted consultations on electricity purchases, even though additional power was not immediately required.

“The report caused concern. If power cuts occur, the Chief Minister will be blamed,” he said.

The government would procure electricity at the lowest available rate, Satheesan asserted, adding that power from Sinnar would cost Rs 5.18 per unit.

He said supplies from Sinnar, initially expected in January, would become available only in March. Following discussions with the NTPC chairman in Delhi after assuming office, the government was seeking to increase procurement from 340 MW to 640 MW and eventually 1,000 MW.

Satheesan said electricity purchases would be necessary, but stressed that he would not approve proposals merely because a file cited an imminent shortage and sought his immediate signature.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman