Union Minister Khattar reviews power sector scenario in Kerala

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday reviewed the power sector situation in Kerala during a key meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram the state capital. The session took place at a hotel in the city with a focus on addressing critical issues in the sector. The meeting was attended by Kerala’s Minister for Electricity, K. Krishnankutty, Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for MoPNG & Tourism, senior officials from the Kerala government, the Central government and representatives from the Power Finance Corporation (PFC). Discussions during the meeting revolved around the overall power sector scenario in Kerala covering aspects such as the demand-supply gap capacity additions in renewable, hydro, and nuclear sectors, as well as challenges in the power distribution sector. Additionally, the current progress of works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and potential action plans were reviewed.

Kerala officials raised concerns related to the power sector and explored potential solutions to meet the growing demand in the future. K. Krishnankutty thanked Union Minister Khattar for his visit and acknowledged the support provided by the Central government including coal linkage for 500 MW, Viability Gap Funding for Battery Energy Storage Systems worth Rs 135 crore, and the allocation of power from NTPC Barh until March 2025. He also requested additional power allocation from NTPC Barh and an extension of the power allocation timeline until June 2025. The state is also making efforts to integrate large-scale renewable energy and is committed to improving the overall power sector. Khattar assured the state of continued cooperation and support from the Central government for the betterment of Kerala’s power infrastructure wishing for the well-being of the people.