Govt making efforts to ensure uninterrupted power supply in Kerala: Minister Sunny Joseph

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 7 (PTI) Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said that the government was making all efforts to ensure uninterrupted power supply as much as possible in the state and it was successful in the endeavour to some extent. At the same time, the government is also facing the challenge of high power costs during night time, when electricity availability is low, as well as the commitment to give back the electricity it had borrowed in March-April, Joseph told reporters here. He said that when power was borrowed in March-April, it was under the expectation that there would be good rains during the monsoon season and the electricity could be returned by mid-June. However, poor rains have made this task difficult for the state, but it was trying to fulfil its commitment of returning the borrowed power, the minister said. He also said that while power costs around "one paise for one unit during daytime, it increases to Rs 10 per unit at night, as availability of electricity is low at that time". The minister further said that there are also other problems like power lines and electricity posts breaking down due to adverse weather conditions as well as manpower shortages in the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) due to retirements in March and May this year. "Steps are being taken to address these issues and ensure power supply to the people. I have held meetings in 12 districts with people's representatives and KSEB officials in connection with that," he said. PTI HMP ADB