Thermal power purchases above Rs. 100 per unit face criticism as solar rooftop promises remain stalled, raising concerns over energy costs.
Thermal power purchases by the government at rates exceeding Rs. 100 per unit have drawn strong criticism from Electricity Consumers’ Association Chairman M.D.R. Athula, who says consumers are being denied cheaper renewable energy alternatives.
Athula pointed out that although the government had promised to buy electricity generated through residential rooftop solar panels at Rs. 45 per unit, that commitment has still not been implemented.
He said expanding solar energy generation and production would make it increasingly difficult to justify buying electricity from thermal power plants at such excessive prices.
Athula alleged that the government has shown little interest in giving priority to renewable energy programmes because of what he described as greed for commission money connected to the oil required to operate thermal power plants.
He further charged that the country’s rulers have no real desire to solve the problems faced by electricity consumers. Instead, he claimed, they remain motivated to continue purchasing electricity from thermal power plants because of oil kickbacks allegedly received through those transactions.
