Kerala Power Minister Sunny Joseph on Sunday assured that there will be no power outage during the FIFA World Cup final and that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the state.
The FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be broadcast live in India from 12.30 AM IST.
Speaking to reporters here, Joseph said special instructions have been issued to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to maintain uninterrupted power supply throughout the match.
“We want people to watch the match. All arrangements have been made. Even by paying the insurance premium, we have ensured that there will be uninterrupted electricity supply during the day and night today,” the minister said.
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However, Joseph said Kerala is facing a difficult energy situation due to significant rainfall shortage, which has resulted in reduced water availability in hydropower reservoirs while simultaneously increasing electricity demand due to rising temperatures.
“When rainfall decreases, the water level in our hydropower projects decreases, reducing power generation. At the same time, temperatures rise and electricity consumption increases. Both factors negatively affect us,” he said.
The minister also blamed the previous LDF government for canceling the long-term power purchase agreement under which Kerala used to get 465 MW of electricity in $4.29 per unit.
“This long-term contract was cancelled, creating a major crisis. Our peak hour shortage is about 500 to 600 MW, and this contract almost meets the requirements,” he said.
Joseph said the state is now forced to buy expensive electricity from the market, especially for night consumption, as solar power generation is only available during the day and Kerala lacks adequate energy storage facilities.
Kerala is also repaying electricity borrowed from other states under a swap agreement entered into during the summer months when demand spikes, he said.
“What was borrowed during March and April must be returned between June 15 and September 15. We are currently returning that electricity while also purchasing additional power from the market at premium prices,” he said.
The minister said electricity suppliers generally preferred buyers willing to purchase power day and night, forcing Kerala to purchase electricity even during periods of low demand during the day to secure supplies at night.
Recently, the Kerala Electricity Regulatory Commission approved a proposal to procure 200 MW of power under this arrangement, which will cost the state about 200 MW of power, he said. $850 Crores.
Responding to criticism from former Power Minister MM Mani, Joseph said the opposition should instead explain why the long-term power purchase agreement was canceled during her tenure.
“They should protest against those who canceled this contract. The then Pinarayi government was not ready to respect or implement it,” he said.
He said he was holding daily review meetings with KSEB Chairman and senior officials to monitor the power situation in the state and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
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In response to a question about reported disagreements within KSU over the appointment of a former SFI activist as a government advocate, Joseph said student leaders should avoid criticizing each other publicly.
“Leaders must stop speaking against each other openly. We have to work together. Criticisms must remain within the party. Matters that need to be discussed can be raised within the party itself,” he said.
Joseph said KSU leaders shared their concerns with him and that he conveyed them to Chief Minister V D Sathisean.
“They discussed certain issues with me and shared their concerns. I have brought the matter up to the Prime Minister as well. It can be resolved through discussions,” the minister said.
