A power cut of 10 per cent has been imposed on all industrial consumers in the State with effect from Thursday.
The State Electricity Regulatory Commission delivered the order in response to a plea by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).
Load shedding
The half-an-hour cyclic load shedding introduced on Monday will continue till May 31.
The high-tension and extra high-tension consumers have to limit consumption to 90 per cent of their base average consumption in 2011-12.
This will be charged at normal tariff. Excess consumption will be charged at a higher rate of Rs 10 a unit. These restrictions too will remain in force till May 31.
KSEB may constitute a grievance redressal committee to look into industrial consumers' complaints regarding fixing of quota.
FUEL SURCHARGE
The order specifically said that no fuel surcharge would be applicable to excess consumption at the higher rate. There will be no restriction on maximum demand either.
The Commission will review the power situation in the second week of May. KSEB has been asked to submit all supporting data for review by May 14.
The Commission was of the view that the 10 per cent restriction on use of power may not severely affect consumers. Consumption can be reduced that much through energy efficiency measures and reducing wasteful or luxury consumption.
Besides, consumption by most of the industrial consumers in April and May would be lower due to annual maintenance of plants.
Others can limit consumption by 10 per cent so that the larger objective is achieved. The Commission expects that such a measure will help give out ‘proper signals' for the consumers to reduce consumption.
LACK OF PLANNING
Meanwhile, it took the KSEB to task for not planning adequately to meet with a contingency that was building. The present situation is the result of lack of short-term to medium-term planning, the Commission said.
KSEB did not make any serious effort to foresee the crisis; much less propose any contingency plan. It has always resorted to fire-fighting measures in the event of contingency as has been argued by some of the detractors while taking part in the public hearing, the Commissioner observed.