State Remains Dependent on Power Imports, Spends Rs 10k Cr Annually

Growing dependence comes despite Kerala having 61 dams and 42 hydroelectric stations

- RAHUL R @Kollam

KERALA continues to remain heavily dependent on electricity imports, with more than 80% of its power consumption being met through external purchases, costing the state exchequer a staggering Rs 10,941.59 crore in the financial year 2023-24, according to the KSEB's Annual Administration Report.

This growing dependence comes at a time when Kerala has 61 dams and 42 hydroelectric stations, highlighting a stark mismatch between potential and actual generation. According to the report, KSEB's internal generation amounted to only 5,652 million units (MU), mostly from hydroelectric sources, while the state's total consumption crossed 27,696 MU during the year.