Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Pallivasal Extension Scheme near Munnar in Idukki on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Pallivasal expansion plan, a major hydroelectric project in Idukki district, is a milestone for the state’s power sector. Inaugurating the Pallivasal Extension Scheme and launching the golden jubilee celebrations of the Idukki Hydel Power Project at Pallivasal near Munnar in Idukki on Thursday, Mr. Vijayan noted that Kerala once endured power cuts lasting over four-and-a-half hours.
“Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has now reached a significant level of development. KSEB is moving towards profitability and the state plans to completely convert its power generation sector to renewable energy sources by 2040,” Mr. Vijayan said.
The Chief Minister further said that Kerala has turned into a state without power cuts or load shedding. “It’s been a dream for decades, but the state finally made it happen,” he said.
He further noted that several major initiatives are currently underway, including the 800 MW Idukki Golden Jubilee Project, 240 MW Lakshmi Hydel Power Project and 450 MW Sabarigiri Renovation Project. “These projects rely on renewable energy sources and will reduce the impact on the environment,” the chief minister added.
Mr. Vijayan also pointed out that when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government came to power, full electrification projects were implemented across the state. “The government is now working to provide electricity to all tribal settlements in Kerala,” he said, adding that ensuring the quality of electricity is now the top priority.
Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, who presided over the meeting, said that the state government had invested ₹25,500 crore in the electricity sector. “During the last five years, the government has invested ₹ 3,275.82 crore, due to which the state has achieved an additional power generation capacity of 2,395 MW,” Mr. Krishnankutty said.
“Increase in consumption”
Mr. Krishnankutty further noted that electricity consumption has spiked following reports of LPG shortage in the state. But he reassured the public that there would be no restrictions on distribution. “The government will not impose restrictions, no such situation has developed. We have already completed measures to overcome any problems,” the minister said.
According to officials, the commissioning of the Pallivasal Extension Scheme will add 60 MW of capacity to the state power grid through two 30 MW generators.
The original Pallivasal project – Kerala’s first hydroelectric undertaking – was commissioned in 1940, before India’s independence. The expansion is expected to generate 159.3 million units of electricity annually.
Published – 12 March 2026 20:04 IST
