With electricity consumption soaring in the State this April, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is exploring more effective power procurement options for bridging peak-hour power deficits in the coming weeks.
Specifically, the KSEB is looking at procurement via the term ahead market (TAM) platform which allows entities to buy or sell electricity for durations ranging up to 90 days in advance. The power utility has sought the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (KSERC) nod for the parameters for the TAM procurement. It has also proposed an institutional mechanism comprising an apex committee and an operational committee for handling short-term power procurement during contingencies.
The KSEB wants the supply specifically for the period from mid-April to mid-May, observing that “Kerala’s highest peak demand is typically experienced” during this period. The TAM proposal, which is based on the recommendations made by the six-member operational committee, is aimed at bridging the supply deficit during the evening hours when electricity demand peaks.
The KSEB has sought the commission’s approval for a ceiling rate of ₹10 per unit with a 5 paise margin for the TAM procurement. The procurement, according to the utility, would be subject to a maximum limit of 250 megawatts (MW) “during critical periods” from mid-April to the first half of May.
