Kerala State Electricity Board to spend ₹1,190 crore on power purchase during April-August 2026

KSEB is seeking permission to purchase electricity to meet the anticipated additional demand for the period from September 1, 2026 to May 15, 2027. (Image for reference)

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) on Thursday informed the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission that it has spent ₹1,190 crore on power purchases during the five-month period from April to August 2026.

Electricity was purchased on the basis of short-term contracts and through the energy exchange. The Commission on Thursday (09/03/2026) held a hearing on KSEB’s petition for permission to purchase electricity to meet the projected additional demand for the period from September 1, 2026 to May 15, 2027.

High price

The commission noted that the power purchase cost of between ₹9.50 and ₹12.50 per unit was on the higher side and urged the company to try to bring it down.

The commission is expected to approve the proposal only after detailed examination.

The panel further criticized the KSEB for the delay in launching Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects and for not utilizing the cheap power available through the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Published – 03 Sep 2026 21:02 IST