KSEB Approves INR 6,478 Cr Plan for FY 2026-27, INR 170 Cr Earmarked for BESS

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has approved a Capital Investment Plan (CIP) with a total outlay of INR 6,478.41 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan allocates INR 848.79 crore for power generation, INR 1,175.48 crore for transmission, and INR 1,669 crore for distribution activities.

Focus on Power Storage

Catering to the growing need for energy storage solutions, the state utility has allocated INR 17 crore for the preparation of detailed project reports for pumped storage projects (PSP) and INR 170 crore for battery energy storage systems (BESS). These initiatives aim to store excess renewable energy produced during daytime solar generation.

The plan also includes INR 52 crore for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and INR 100 crore for the implementation of smart meters across the state.

As part of its generation segment, KSEB has allotted INR 419.36 crore for ongoing hydroelectric projects. Additionally, INR 20 crore has been earmarked for the Maripuzha hydroelectric scheme and INR 10 crore for the Poringalkuthu Small Hydroelectric Power Project (Stage II), both expected to begin shortly.

Boost to Renewable Energy

KSEB has also set aside INR 3.60 crore for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind initiatives under various schemes. However, the official order notes that projects requiring state government support will proceed only after the sanction and release of corresponding funds by the Kerala government.

Strengthening Transmission and Distribution Networks

On the transmission front, KSEB plans to spend INR 463.83 crore on regular system strengthening works, alongside a significant allocation of INR 598.75 crore for the ongoing TransGrid 2.0 program. TransGrid 2.0 aims to modernise Kerala’s intra-state transmission network and improve power reliability.

For distribution improvements, the utility has earmarked INR 127 crore under the ‘Dyuthi’ scheme, designed to upgrade the state’s power distribution infrastructure and enhance service quality for consumers.

In addition to the upcoming year’s investment plan, the KSEB director board has also cleared a revised plan for 2025–26, with an outlay of INR 4,789.75 crore.