‘Power Play’: Kerala Electricity Board Cuts Supply to Ernakulam District Collectorate over Rs 42 L Dues

Ending an unusually embarrassing ordeal for a day with a stark reminder of the consequences of financial negligence, the power connection to the collectorate of the Ernakulam district was restored fully on Wednesday morning. The decision was taken following a discussion held by Ernakulam district collector NSK Umesh with officials of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

The KSEB on Tuesday disconnected the supply to the Ernakulam collectorate complex, the headquarters of the district often referred to as the commercial capital of the state, for failing to pay the Rs 42 lakh power bill on 48 connections. The functioning of more than 30 offices was affected after this unprecedented move by the KSEB.

The complex, which also houses the office of the district collector, had not paid the bills for the past five months. The biggest defaulter in the complex has been identified as the revenue department, which has an outstanding amount of around Rs 7.2 lakh.

According to KSEB officials, the collectorate was notified several times about the dues, and the electricity supply was restored only after getting an assurance from the collector himself of clearing the arrears by March 31.

The sudden disconnection of power on Tuesday led to a near-standstill of office activities within the collectorate. As the fans and air conditioners ceased working, the staff members had to put up with the scorching heat, on an extremely hot day. People who reached the offices for essential services also bore the brunt and were drained out.

The blackout at the Ernakulam collectorate not only hit day-to-day administrative tasks but also raised vital questions about the preparedness and financial management of such essential government departments.