Keralam Exploring All Options to Tackle Power Crisis: Minister Sunny Joseph

Joseph said purchasing power from NTPC could place a significant financial burden on the state and would require Cabinet approval.

“We are exploring every possible option to resolve the power crisis. The decision to purchase electricity from NTPC has not been completely ruled out, although it is known that such a move would impose a significant financial burden on the state and would require Cabinet approval,” Joseph told reporters.

The minister did not provide a specific timeline for lifting the existing power restrictions but said efforts were being prioritised to stabilise the state's power system.

“At this point, I cannot say exactly how long the power restrictions will continue. Our priority is to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible. We aim to overcome the power shortage by September 15,” he said.

Earlier this month, Joseph had said the government was considering purchasing electricity at higher rates if required. He also appealed to consumers to use electricity judiciously and avoid unnecessary consumption, including decorative lighting at night.

Officials have also been directed to provide advance information about possible power cuts, the minister said.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is seeking assistance from northern states to manage the shortage. Board officials are expected to hold discussions with authorities in various states.

The situation remains challenging as Kerala is yet to receive a 200 MW power loan from Madhya Pradesh.

Joseph also said the impact of the cancellation of a power purchase agreement introduced during the tenure of former Electricity Minister Aryadan Mohammed was becoming evident only now.

On the CMRL-Exalogic controversy, Joseph said the documents cited in recent reports had originated from material shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) with the state Home Department.

“The information that has come out is from the documents handed over by the ED to the Home Department. How can we say that the ED leaked the details?” he said.

Joseph said the state government was examining the legal aspects of the matter and had already sought legal advice. A decision on whether to register a case would be taken later, he added.

Earlier, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the CMRL-Exalogic controversy should not be equated with political donations made by companies or individuals to political parties.

The ED's Kochi Zone had conducted searches at nine premises in Kozhikode on August 18 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with alleged corporate fraud and alleged bribe payments involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).