In Short : KSEB warned that unchecked rooftop solar power injection is causing a ₹500 crore annual financial burden, potentially raising tariffs by up to 40 paise/unit by 2034–35. Prosumers export excess solar energy by day and draw costly grid power at night. KSEB urged stricter controls, possible surcharges, and infrastructure upgrades to protect grid stability and financial sustainability.
In Detail : The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has raised concerns over the financial impact of unregulated rooftop solar power being injected into the grid. At a recent public hearing, the utility warned that this unchecked solar inflow could lead to an annual burden of ₹500 crore on the state’s power system.
KSEB explained that solar prosumers—consumers who generate and export excess solar energy—feed power into the grid during the day but consume electricity at night when the cost of supply is higher. This imbalance forces the utility to procure more expensive power, which adds to its financial stress.
The rapid expansion of rooftop solar in Kerala has contributed to a sharp rise in prosumer generation, increasing from 48 million units to 124 million units in just three years. While this supports renewable energy goals, it also presents challenges in maintaining grid stability and managing fluctuating power flows.
To mitigate the impact, KSEB proposed introducing stricter regulations on solar injection and potentially levying a surcharge to recover costs related to grid balancing. The utility also emphasized the need to enhance transformer capacity and modernize grid infrastructure to handle rising solar contributions.
KSEB warned that without timely intervention, the current trajectory could lead to a significant increase in electricity tariffs, estimated to reach an additional 40 paise per unit by 2034–35. This could hamper the financial health of the distribution company and limit its ability to invest in future upgrades.
In response, stakeholders suggested a balanced approach that continues to support solar adoption while addressing grid costs. Recommendations included implementing time-of-day tariffs, setting injection caps, and promoting battery storage systems to shift solar output to evening demand hours.
