Ex-Minister K. Krishnankutty blames UDF ‘mismanagement’ for power tariff hike in Keralam

Former Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty has blamed the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s alleged mismanagement and lack of planning for the new electricity tariff policy in Keralam, warning that higher rates and surcharges will increase the burden on ordinary consumers.Speaking to reporters in Palakkad, Mr. Krishnankutty said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had turned the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) into “a profitable institution through proper planning during its 10 years in power.”The new tariff policy announced by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission will come into effect on April 1, 2027. Reports suggest that the policy aims to recover the KSEB’s reported losses of around ₹5,000 crore.Mr. Krishnankutty said the basis for calculating the losses needed to be clarified. He also pointed to frequent power outages and load shedding, which he said had reduced electricity consumption.He said the reported losses could be the result of the current UDF government’s mismanagement or lack of proper planning. The new tariff policy would adversely affect ordinary consumers, he added.Mr. Krishnankutty said the government could partly address the financial crisis by waiving the taxes it levies on the KSEB. Published - October 20, 2026 03:27 pm IST