Krishnankutty questions KSEB losses behind Kerala’s planned power tariff changes
The former electricity minister wants the basis for reported losses of around ₹5,000 crore explained and warns that higher charges would burden consumers.
Former Kerala electricity minister K. Krishnankutty questioned the losses cited in discussion of the state’s planned electricity tariff policy on October 20, warning that higher rates and surcharges would burden ordinary consumers. The Hindu reported that the policy announced by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission is due to take effect on April 1, 2027.
Speaking to reporters in Palakkad, Krishnankutty blamed what he called mismanagement and a lack of planning by the United Democratic Front government, according to The Hindu. He said the previous Left Democratic Front government had made the Kerala State Electricity Board profitable through planning during its ten years in power. That account of the board’s performance is his characterization.
Why Krishnankutty disputes the KSEB loss figure
Reports put KSEB’s losses at around ₹5,000 crore, The Hindu said, and described the forthcoming policy as an effort to recover the reported shortfall. Krishnankutty called for the basis of the loss calculation to be clarified. The figure’s calculation was not explained in The Hindu’s account of his remarks.
Krishnankutty argued that frequent power outages and load shedding had reduced electricity consumption. He suggested that the reported losses could reflect the UDF government’s handling of the board, and said the government could partly address its financial difficulties by waiving taxes it levies on KSEB. These explanations and the proposed remedy are his arguments.
What Kerala’s economic review records about electricity use
The Kerala State Planning Board’s Economic Review records a 3.36% increase in statewide electricity consumption in 2024-25, to 29,311.76 million units from 28,360.25 million units in 2023-24. The annual figures provide context for Krishnankutty’s claim about reduced use; they do not establish what happened during particular outages. The review covers an earlier period than the planned tariff policy.
The State Planning Board identifies the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission as the statutory body responsible for determining electricity tariffs. Krishnankutty’s objection concerns the financial case for the future policy and the higher consumer charges he expects it to bring. The Hindu did not specify the proposed rates or quantify an effect on household bills.
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Sources and context
- Ex-Minister K. Krishnankutty blames UDF ‘mismanagement’ for power tariff hike in KeralamThe Hindu
- Economic Review 2025: PowerKerala State Planning Board
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.