Funds-starved state electricity boards (SEBs) across the country are resorting to load shedding in a massive way to deal with power shortages rather than buy electricity from the open market, which is turning more expensive. This is reflected in peak-hour electricity deficits of states with heavily indebted power distribution utilities.

SEBs, operating under political patronage, find it easier to opt for load shedding than buy power from the open market and pass the additional cost to the consumers through tariff increases.