Kerala Power Regulator Slams KSEB Over Poor Sunlight Integration and Rising Evening Demand
मुख्य बातें
- •KSERC, led by Chairperson T.K. Jose, criticised KSEB in an order dated May 21, 2024, for failing to integrate rising solar power and over-relying on expensive short-term power purchases.
- •Kerala’s average daytime demand is 3,500 MW, but evening peak demand exceeds 5,500 MW, creating a 160% imbalance.
- •KSEB has been directed to conduct a detailed study with CEA support and submit findings within three months.
- •KSEB has been asked to propose pumped storage and battery energy storage systems to address peak demand issues.
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has sharply criticised the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for its inability to manage the State’s shifting power dynamics, particularly the growing gap between daytime solar energy supply and evening peak demand. In an order dated May 21, 2024, the Commission, led by Chairperson T.K. Jose, highlighted KSEB’s failure to adapt to increased solar power integration and its continued reliance on expensive short-term power purchases to meet rising evening demand.
The regulatory body’s observations come just weeks after Kerala emerged from a severe summer power crisis, underscoring the urgency of addressing structural weaknesses in the State’s power management. The Commission’s assessment was part of the truing-up of accounts for the fiscal year 2024-25, where it found that KSEB had not made “serious efforts” to address the emerging power situation.
