The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has approved additional capital investments amounting to ₹4,799.39 lakh for the Thrissur Corporation Electricity Department for the 2022–2027 control period. The approval is aimed at strengthening the city’s electricity distribution infrastructure, improving grid reliability, and supporting the modernization of power distribution operations. The entire approved investment will be funded through the accumulated regulatory surplus available with the distribution licensee.
The Thrissur Corporation Electricity Department, which operates across an area of 12.65 square kilometers, had approached the Commission seeking authorization for various ongoing and proposed infrastructure development projects. Among the major approved investments is the construction of a new 110 kV substation at Laloor, along with double-circuit transmission line works and associated connectivity arrangements involving KSEB Limited.
The Commission authorized the electricity department to contribute ₹15.10 crore towards the Laloor substation project using its regulatory surplus. This investment will complement a central government grant of ₹22.64 crore provided under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Additionally, the regulator approved ₹499 lakh towards connectivity expenses required by the transmission utility.
As part of its distribution network modernization programme, KSERC also approved ₹1,828.21 lakh for smart meter procurement, Head-End System (HES) deployment, and related information technology integration. The proposed smart metering programme will cover 27,242 meters through a phased implementation process. Priority installations will include government offices, feeders, distribution transformers, and consumer connections.
The Commission also cleared several network improvement measures, including 11 kV feeder interlinking, aerial bunched cable installations, additional ring main units, and underground cabling along roads undergoing civic development. These projects are expected to improve distribution efficiency, strengthen network infrastructure, and reduce operational challenges.
Furthermore, provisional approval was granted for ₹146.46 lakh towards distribution transformer-related works. These include installing new transformers, enhancing existing transformer capacities, and replacing ageing equipment. However, the approval is subject to verification of load data and confirmation of actual project execution during the truing-up process.
Other approved expenditures include procurement of HT, LT and A-poles, office furniture upgrades, relocation of the cash counter to the ground floor, and maintenance vehicles, including a heavy lorry and a Mahindra Camper. The Commission also granted ex-post facto approval for preventive maintenance expenses already incurred on current transformers, potential transformers, and extra-high-tension bushings.
However, certain proposals were deferred. The procurement of 2,800 conventional time-of-day (TOD) meters requires additional inventory details and justification to avoid duplication during smart meter deployment. The proposed SUV purchase was also deferred for cost-benefit assessment. Meanwhile, the ₹4.66 crore proposal for upgrading the Patturaickal 66 kV substation was kept pending due to disputed supervision and consultancy charges claimed by KSEB Limited.
The proposed EV charging station at Saktan Nagar was excluded after the licensee withdrew the project.
The Commission directed the electricity department to avoid seeking retrospective approvals for planned investments and ensure transparent competitive e-tendering for all approved projects.
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