Power crisis is a chance for a lasting fix, says Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said on Saturday (September 12, 2026) that the State viewed the ongoing electricity crisis as an opportunity to work out a concrete and long-lasting solution, rather than treating it only as an emergency to be managed from day to day.
Addressing the Core Ren Expo 2026 and Energy Conclave here, the Chief Minister said the energy crisis was on the priority list of his government, and that it was high time Kerala formulated a “modern power policy”. Solar energy, he said, would be one of the key components of such a policy.
Mr. Satheesan said the government would treat the solar energy sector as an industry and would extend to it all the assistance it required.
Referring to the shortage of power, he said purchasing electricity had become difficult even as demand rises. Self-sufficiency in power generation was therefore important, he said, adding that a comprehensive plan was needed — one that took into account the changing methods and innovations in the sector, and that anticipated requirement projections for the future.
The government would introduce the required regulations in the power sector next month, he said, and these would promote renewable energy.
The Chief Minister also struck a critical note, saying a section of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials was not happy with any mention of renewable energy.
“Some people in the KSEB get irritated at the mention of renewable energy. They keep listing reasons not to promote it. I am arriving at some conclusions about why they are upset. I will reveal them in due time,” he said. He did not name the officials concerned.
He also referred to criticism that a section of KSEB staff was causing frequent and unscheduled power disruptions with the aim of worsening the crisis. The officials he referred to were not identified, and the charge was made in general terms.
Highlighting the relevance of solar energy to the State, Mr. Satheesan said gaps in storage facilities for the energy generated needed to be fixed.
“We have to improve the battery storage facilities for solar power and should be equipped to use the stored power from the evening. Such facilities should come up at the community level, including neighbourhoods, institutions and residents’ associations,” he said.
Storage is a central challenge for States expanding solar capacity. Solar power is generated mainly during daylight hours, so battery systems or other storage arrangements are needed to supply electricity during the evening peak, when demand is high. The cost of storage is a significant part of solar projects.
The measures outlined by the Chief Minister — a modern power policy, regulations for the sector next month, and community-level storage — are yet to be detailed. The conclave brought together participants from the energy sector to discuss the State’s power requirements and the way forward.
