Regulator allows KSEB to keep buying 177 MW from NTPC's Barh plants for three more years

8 October 2026

The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has allowed the Kerala State Electricity Board to continue purchasing 177 MW from two NTPC thermal stations until 30 April 2029.
The quantum is split as 80 MW from Barh Stage-I and 97 MW from Barh Stage-II.
KSEB has been buying from these stations on a short-term basis since 1 October 2024.
For 2025-26 the average tariff worked out to a fixed charge of Rs 2.68 and an energy charge of Rs 2.91 for Barh Stage-I, and a fixed charge of Rs 1.97 and an energy charge of Rs 2.89 for Barh Stage-II.
The Commission observed that the rates, especially the fixed cost of Barh Stage-I, are slightly on the higher side when compared with round-the-clock power discovered through the DEEP portal and the short-term market.
It directed KSEB to take part actively in Central Electricity Regulatory Commission tariff hearings and work to bring the tariffs down.
KSEB had sought the firm power citing peak-hour and night off-peak shortages, grid stability and resource adequacy.