KSEB is heading for debt trap

KSEB8217;s budget estimates for the year 1999-2000 has projected a net deficit of Rs 52.66 crore. This assumes significance as the board, through a successful window dressing, has posted a surplus of Rs 139.78 crore in 1998-99. The surplus last year was due to the conversion of debt outstanding to the state government to equity. The board is expecting a rate of return to the tune of negative 2.09 on capital base and - 3.39 on equity capital in the comingfiscal.

However, the deficit is likely to widen further as many of the anticipated revenue streams nay not be forthcoming unless it improve its financial health. While the budget has projected only a deficit of Rs 52.66 crore, the state power minister is on record saying that the board is incurring a loss to the tune of Rs one crore per day.

Sources in the power sector feel that the SEB may plunge into the inevitable debt trap if the government does not raise power tariff at lest to an average of Rs two per unit. Alarm bells are already ringing in the SEB with its revenue shrinking to rock bottom levels forcing the SEB to dip into its capital resources to meet the current expenditure. Highly placed sources in KSEB revealed that the board is using the proceeds of its Non-SLR bond issues to pay routine revenue expenditure, including employees salary.They also said that the shrinking finances of the SEB may trip its ambitious capital outlay estimated for the next financial year.

The SEB has estimated acapital outlay of Rs 840.75 crore up from Rs 839.82 for the previous year. The board also have to find an additional Rs 491.82 crore in lieu of interest due to institutional creditors and Provident Fund. The Seb has to raise another Rs 10.94 crore for paying back the interest on loans taken from the government, taking total capital expenditure to a whopping Rs 1342.58 for the year 1999-2000.

However, the board may find it hard to raise this amount unless it goes for a steep hike in power tariff.