The budget estimates for 1999-2000 prepared by the SEB has projected a total outlay of Rs 840.75 crore for various capital expenditure programmes including capacity addition, streamlining the transmission and distribution systems as well maintainable and upgradation of existing units. The SEB has earmarked Rs 125.97 crore for the hydel power generation alone. This include the work on 13 ongoing hydro-electric schemes like Azhutha Diversion, Kakkad, Lower Periyar, Malampuzha, Peppara and Kuttyadi extension. The new hydro-electric projects for which the money has been earmarked include Pooyamkutty, Kuriarkutti-Karappara and Chalipuzha projects. The SEB has set aside a sum of Rs 22 crore for investing in a clutch of Chinese assisted small hydel powerstations.

The cumulative investment required for the four thermal power plants, which has been developed by the SEB by its own or have substantial equity stake is to the tune of Rs 110.10 crore. This include the 128-mw Kozhikodu diessel power plant, which is slated to be commissioned in the coming September and the 500 mw Ambalamugal Power Project promoted by the public sector refining major, Cochin Refineries Ltd. For new thermal plant, the SEB has earmarked a sum of Rs 60 crore including both civil and engineering works.

For the balance payments of augmentation and diversion works of the existing schemes the Board will spend a sum of Rs 24.33 crore. This include the augmentation of Kuttiyadi, Panniyar and Sabarigiri hydel projects and Proingal-Idamalayar diversion. The Board will also incur an investment of Rs 95.85 crore for streamlining its transmission network in the State. This include a Rs 5.85 crore World Bank aided schemes as plan expenditure and the normal transmission works to the tune ofRs 90 crore.