Now Reading: Kerala BESS saves KSEB ₹3.6 lakh daily but surplus power loss mounts
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Kerala BESS saves KSEB ₹3.6 lakh daily but surplus power loss mounts
The Story in Brief
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is saving at least ₹3.6 lakh daily from its newly operational 15-MW Battery Energy Storage System at Mulleria in Kasaragod, Onmanorama reports. The unit discharges 60,000 units between 7 pm and 11 pm at a landed cost of ₹9.98 per unit, against over ₹16 per unit from external peak-hour purchases. The ₹60-crore project, built by Gujarat-based Opera Green Yana Private Limited under NHPC’s aegis, awaits formal commissioning though tapping began on October 16.
Separately, Mathrubhumi reports KSEB is surrendering 80 lakh to one crore units of electricity daily because supply exceeds demand. The board surrendered 1.13 crore units on November 1 alone, nearly 10 per cent of Kerala’s daily consumption of around nine crore units, incurring an estimated daily loss of about ₹2 crore. It has not bought power from Himachal Pradesh or via GNA since November 1. The regulatory commission estimates no additional purchase is needed until February 2027.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The two outlets cover different facets of Kerala's power situation. Onmanorama leads with the savings from the Mulleria storage plant and frames it as a success, while noting the Mylatti project's delay costs over ₹30 lakh daily. Mathrubhumi's report dwells on the financial burden of surplus power, estimating a ₹2 crore daily loss. Neither story disputes the other's figures, but together they present a mixed picture: one innovation saving money alongside systemic inefficiencies. The commission's estimate that no additional power is needed until February 2027, and NTPC's unsigned agreement for 540 MW from Sinnar, emerge as the key factors to watch.
Onmanorama's framing is positive, highlighting the technological achievement and daily savings. Mathrubhumi's is more critical, emphasising wastage and financial losses. A balanced view requires noting both the operational gains from storage and the continuing costs of surplus power.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): onmanorama.com (neutral report), mathrubhumi.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
