Thiruvananthapuram, 09 Nov (H.S.):

Amid mounting controversy over the Kerala government’s proposed emergency power procurement deal, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has reportedly informed Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan that the state will not face any electricity shortage over the next two months, eliminating the immediate need to purchase additional power from outside.

Newly appointed KSEB Chairman N. Prasanth and the Energy Secretary conveyed the assessment during a meeting with the Chief Minister, sources said.

The development comes against the backdrop of allegations surrounding the government’s decision to procure 500 MW of electricity through the General Network Access (GNA) mechanism without transparent competitive bidding or prior approval from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The controversial proposal originated from a note submitted by former KSEB Chairman Rajamanickam, who warned that Kerala was heading towards a severe electricity crisis and could face power cuts from November unless urgent procurement arrangements were finalised.

Rajamanickam had recommended purchasing electricity from Himachal Pradesh, indicating that power was available at a quoted rate of ₹14.50 per unit. He also suggested government intervention to negotiate a lower price.

However, the latest assessment presented by the new KSEB leadership reportedly contradicts the earlier warning, raising questions about the circumstances that prompted the emergency procurement proposal.

Sources indicated that the Chief Minister has directed officials to examine the basis of Rajamanickam’s assessment and determine why immediate action was recommended despite the apparently comfortable power availability position.

The Chief Minister has also reportedly sought clarification on the pressure exerted to finalise the Himachal Pradesh arrangement.

With the revised assessment ruling out an immediate shortage, the government is unlikely to proceed with additional power purchases through the GNA mechanism for now.

The developments could intensify scrutiny of the proposed procurement deal and the decision-making process within KSEB.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman