Power cuts to continue, with some small relief in coming days: Keralam Power Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (PTI) Keralam Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph on Wednesday indicated that power cuts will continue in the state, but the situation might improve in the coming days.

Joseph, speaking to reporters, said that while he cannot give a clear date by when the situation will become normal, but with the ‘swap arrangement’ of 250 mega watt coming to an end on Wednesday there would be a small relief.

“By the end of September, the remaining 250MW of the swap arrangement will also come to an end,” he added.

He said that the government was making every effort to normalise the situation and purchase power with Chief Minister V D Satheesan speaking to various states for supply of electricity.

“Shortage of coal, reduction in power generation, increase in consumption has led to a rise in demand for electricity across India and many states, including Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, are facing a crisis,” Joseph contended.

The minister further said that many states or companies were ready to provide more power during the day, when Keralam does not need it, and less during the night and were charging the same for both.

“That will not receive the approval of the regulatory commission,” he said.

He said that the government wanted to commission some battery energy storage projects in October, but the companies carrying out the work have not yet received the requisite machinery from China and therefore, they have sought extension of time for completing it.

“We have not yet granted them the extension and have directed them to bring the machinery on an urgent basis,” Joseph said. PTI HMP ROH

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