Pallivasal Extension Scheme commissioned – The Hindu

The Pallivasal Extension Scheme, a major hydroelectric project in the Idukki district, is a milestone for the State’s power sector, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. While commissioning the Pallivasal Extension Scheme and inaugurating the golden jubilee celebration of the Idukki Hydel Power Project at Pallivasal near Munnar in Idukki on Thursday, Mr. Vijayan noted that Kerala once endured power cuts lasting over four-and-a-half hours.

“The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has now reached a significant level of development. The KSEB is moving toward profitability, and the State plans to transition its power generation sector entirely to renewable energy by 2040,” said Mr. Vijayan.

The Chief Minister further stated that Kerala has transformed into a State with no power cuts or load shedding. “This was a dream for decades, but the State has finally achieved it,” he said.

He further noted that several major initiatives are currently under way, including the 800 MW Idukki Golden Jubilee Project, the 240 MW Lakshmi Hydel Power Project, and the 450 MW Sabarigiri Renovation Project. “These projects rely on renewable energy sources and will reduce environmental impact,” the Chief Minister added.

Mr. Vijayan also highlighted that when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government came to power, full electrification projects were implemented across the State. “The government is now working to provide electricity to all tribal settlements in Kerala,” he said, adding that ensuring the quality of electricity is now a top priority.

Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, who presided over the meeting, stated that the State government has invested ₹25,500 crore in the electricity sector. “Over the past five years, the government has invested ₹3,275.82 crore, through which the State has achieved an additional power production capacity of 2,395 MW,” said Mr. Krishnankutty.

‘Surge in consumption’

Mr. Krishnankutty further noted that electricity consumption has surged following reports of an LPG shortage in the State. However, he reassured the public that there would be no restrictions on distribution. “The government will not impose restrictions; no such situation has developed. We have already completed arrangements to overcome any challenges,” the Minister said.

According to officials, the commissioning of the Pallivasal Extension Scheme will add 60 MW of capacity to the State’s power grid through two 30 MW generators.

The original Pallivasal project—Kerala’s first hydroelectric venture—was commissioned in 1940, prior to India’s Independence. The extension is expected to produce 159.3 million units of electricity annually.