Kerala - Thrissur   

Forum blames KSEB for power shortage

Thrissur: The Kerala State Electricity Board’s claim that Kerala is facing severe power shortage is misleading, Chalakudy River Protection Forum has alleged.

“This is to cover up their ineptitude,” environmentalist C.R. Neelakantan told mediapersons on Saturday.

“The proposed Athirappilly project is not a solution to state’s power crisis.

During a weak monsoon, like the one this year, the possible generation from Athirappilly will be just 100-150 million units.

This is only 3-4 per cent of the KSEB’s projected shortage of 3,500-4,000 MW.

But the project may trigger a host of socio-economic and ecological problems,” he said.

The forum criticised the 30-minute power cut imposed on the public. The State has a total installed capacity of more than 3,500 MW against a maximum demand of about 2,750 MW.

But accidents have affected Panniyur and Moozhiyur projects. Thermal stations are also not working to their full capacity, the forum alleged.

“When the existing projects cannot be utilised fully, how can the State go for new hydel projects?” Mr. C.R. Neelakantan asked.

They questioned the rationale behind maintaining thermal stations if the KSEB was not willing to use them fully even under emergencies.

The State had been utilising only 5 per cent of the capacity from these stations, the activists said.

To tide over the present crisis, the state should complete the wind power projects under construction, they suggested.

“New generator at Neriyamangalam should be operated immediately. Installing solar power-based lights for illuminating bill boards alone can save electricity,” they said.

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