Electricity Minister M.M. Mani on Tuesday dedicated the 110-kV sub-station of the Kerala State Electricity Board at Kinalur aimed at solving the voltage problem in Unnikulam and Balussery areas in the district.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mani said that the State government had no magical powers to avoid power cuts despite the shortage of electricity in the State. However, it was made possible because the government was able to purchase power from different sources. Kerala produced only 30% of the electricity it required, he said. The Minister also pointed out that the State had no capacity for another hydroelectric project. Solar power was not cost-effective. All power projects launched at the time of the previous government would be completed this time, he said.
Ecological concerns
The Kerala State Electricity Board’s proposal to build 163 MW capacity hydropower project at Athirappilly had been stalled over ecological concerns. The government’s view was that the project should be implemented, Mr. Mani said. About 40,000 consumers in Panangad, Unnikulam and Balussery would benefit out of the new 110-kV Kinalur sub-station. Power is being supplied to the sub-station from the Kakkayam-Chevayur 110 kV line after constructing a 2.5 kV-110 kV double circuit line. As such the feeder load on the Koduvally and Koyilandy 110 kV and 66 kV Thamarassery sub- stations would be reduced. This would be beneficial to the consumers at Thamarassery, Balussery, Puthuppadi, Punoor, Ekarul and Koyilandy regions.
Purushan Kadalundi, MLA, presided over the function. Kozhikode district panchayat president Babu Parassery was also present.
