Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission on October 10 turned down the Kerala State Electricity Board's (KSEB) demand for permission to introduce higher charges for all consumers using power beyond a certain level.

The Commission in its interim order appealed to consumers of all categories to impose self-restriction in consumption, especially during peak hours. However, despite saving consumers from an immediate financial shock, the commission also warned them about the possibility of introducing surcharge on the power they use from October 2012 to March 2013, if the state misses the retreating monsoon.

In that case, the additional cost being incurred by KSEB for sourcing high priced thermal power during this period might be passed onto consumers by way of surcharge to be paid from the second quarter of 2013.