KSEB Monopoly

#KSEB #monopoly

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has once again increased electricity charges by 8 paise per unit for May, adding to the financial burden of consumers who already pay heavily for an unreliable service. 

This frequent game of rate hikes—with KSEB proposing and the Regulatory Commission approving—has become a frustrating pattern. Despite these hikes, consumers continue to suffer due to frequent power cuts and poor quality of supply. 

It is unacceptable that in a state where citizens pay so much for basic utilities, they still face disruptions and substandard service. The current system clearly fails to hold KSEB accountable, and consumers have no say or choice, making them helpless victims in this monopoly.

Unlike other sectors in Kerala, which have embraced privatization and competition, the power sector remains tightly controlled by a public monopoly. This lack of competition stifles innovation and efficiency, and ultimately hurts the end users. 

Introducing more players into the electricity sector would foster competition, improve service quality, and offer consumers a choice. With multiple power suppliers, people could select dealers who offer better rates and more reliable service, pushing all providers—including KSEB—to perform better. 

This shift is essential to break the monopoly and put an end to what many perceive as legalised exploitation. Empowering consumers through choice is the only sustainable way to ensure fair pricing and dependable electricity.

-K A Solaman.