Electricity crisis an opportunity to find a solution, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Saturday (September 12, 2026) said that the State viewed the ongoing electricity crisis as an opportunity to find a concrete and long-lasting solution.Stating that the energy crisis is on the priority list of his government, the Chief Minister said it was high time the State formulated a “modern power policy”. He added that solar energy would be one of the key components of such a policy. He was addressing the Core Ren Expo 2026 and Energy Conclave here.He said the government sees the solar energy sector as an industry and will extend all required assistance to it.Stressing the shortage of power, which makes even purchasing difficult despite a rise in demand, the Chief Minister said it was important to be self-sufficient in power generation. He added that a comprehensive plan taking into account the changing methods and innovations in the sector had to be made for power generation anticipating the requirement projections for the future.He said the government would introduce the required regulations in the power sector, which promote renewable energy, next month.On a critical note, Mr. Satheesan said a section of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials was not happy with the 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.Highlighting the relevance of solar energy in the context of the State, he said that the gaps in storage facilities for the energy generated need 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.The Chief Minister also raised criticism that a section of KSEB staff was causing frequent and unscheduled power disruptions aiming to worsen the crisis. Published - September 12, 2026 09:15 pm IST