Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal reviewed the power sector scenario for State of Kerala at Hotel Leela Ravis in Thiruvananthapuram today. Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for MoPNG & Tourism, Government of India and Shri K Krishnankutty, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry for Electricity, Government of Kerala were present in the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the State Government, officials from Govt. of India (GoI) and officials from Power Finance Corporation (PFC). During the meeting, matters related to overall Power Sector scenario in the State of Kerala were deliberated.
The issues related to demand and supply of power, capacity addition including possibilities in the Renewable, Hydro & Nuclear sector and power distribution sector were discussed. Further, the current status of works under execution under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and possible action plans were discussed.
The State highlighted concerns related to power sector and the possible solutions so as to meet future demand. Minister for Electricity, Govt. of Kerala, in his address, thanked Hon'ble Union Minister for his visit to Thiruvananthapuram for review of State of Kerala in respect of issues related to the Power sector and also highlighted concerns of the State.
He also thanked Government of India for allocation of coal linkage for 500MW, Viability Gap Funding support for Battery Energy Storage System for Rs. 135 Cr. and for allocation of Power from NTPC Barh up to March 2025.
The Minister requested for additional allocation of power from NTPC Barh (Central Generating Plants) and for extension in time for allocation of power from the plant for up to June 2025. He also highlighted that the State has continuously worked in reducing the AT&C losses.
He mentioned that the State is also working on large scale integration of Renewable power. He also mentioned that the State is suitable to coming up of data centers and is expecting substantial increase in demand in the coming years.
It was remarked that the State would make all out efforts for over all improvement in the power sector. In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs welcomed all the dignitaries to the meeting.
He mentioned that his visit to the State would help in resolution of issues and in identification of new initiatives that may be taken up to further improve services to the citizens of the State. Hon’ble Minister congratulated the State for the initiatives taken which has helped the distribution utility in improving their AT&C loss which would ultimately help in improving the services to the consumers.
He advised the State to work on reducing accumulated losses of the distribution utility. Hon’ble Minister highlighted the role of RDSS in bringing improvement in the electricity distribution sector and in strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure and advised the State to expeditiously implement the works sanctioned under RDSS.
He advised State to take up smart metering works in a phased manner, starting with Government establishments and subsequently for the commercial & industrial consumers. Based on experience and demonstration of benefits, the smart meters may be rolled out to other category of consumers.
Hon’ble Minister further advised the State to resolve issues related to cancellation of DBFOO contracts for projects currently pending before APTEL. He asked State to support in identifying site and for allocation of land for Nuclear Power Project.
Hon’ble Minister directed MoP to examine the issues related to Way leave charges and to take up the matter with the Ministry of Railways. He mentioned that the Central Government is working on the mechanism for single window clearance for new Power Projects.
Union Minister of Power assured for continued support and cooperation of the Government of India in the overall development of the State and wished for the well being of the people of the State.