Kerala government reviews electricity purchase plans amid political controversy

The Kerala government is reconsidering a plan to purchase 500 MW of electricity through the private General Network Access (GNA) platform at Rs 8.90 per unit. This review follows assessments from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Energy Secretary stating that the state does not require additional power during November and December.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered an examination of a report by former KSEB chairman M G Rajamanickam, which had warned of potential power shortages. The government is also reviewing recommendations to procure electricity from Himachal Pradesh instead of using the private GNA platform.

The decision has sparked significant political friction. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph expressed displeasure at learning of the government's shift in power purchase strategy through news reports rather than official channels. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leaders have alleged that an artificial power shortage was manufactured to facilitate the GNA agreement, calling for a judicial inquiry into potential corruption.

Additionally, BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan has questioned the decision to bypass the tender process for the private platform, suggesting that purchasing power from Himachal Pradesh would have been more economical and provided coverage through May 2027.