Keralam Power Crisis Deepens As Record Demand Strains Electricity Supply

As the September heat lingered over Keralam, the state’s power grid came under growing strain on Tuesday, with electricity demand surging to a record high and forcing partial restrictions during the evening peak.

Keralam recorded its highest-ever daily electricity consumption of 94.76 million units (MU) on Tuesday, according to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) data. Of this, 22.85 MU was generated within the state, while 72.91 MU had to be purchased from outside.

The state’s maximum power demand touched 4,851 MW, with peak demand recorded at around 6.44 pm.

The shortage became particularly acute during the evening peak when adequate electricity was unavailable through the power exchange and grid frequency fell. Authorities imposed partial power restrictions from 6.30 pm on Tuesday until 1 am on Wednesday.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government was taking urgent steps to bring additional power into the state and aimed to resolve the immediate shortage by September 15.

“With electricity consumption having increased so much, our main objective is to bring in additional power and find a solution to the present power shortage by around September 15,” Satheesan said after the Cabinet meeting.

He directed the KSEB to act on a “war footing” while ensuring consumers were not burdened with excessive costs.

The crisis has been worsened by rising electricity demand across India, reducing power availability through the exchange. The Grid Controller of India has reported a nationwide shortage of around 12,000 MW.

Satheesan attributed Keralam’s situation to increased consumption, weak rainfall and inadequate reservoir inflows. He also blamed the previous Left Democratic Front government for cancelling a long-term power purchase agreement that had secured electricity at around ₹4.29 per unit. The state now faces rates of nearly ₹10 per unit, he said.

Weather conditions have further lifted consumption, with Punalur recording 35.2 degrees Celsius and Kottayam 34.6 degrees.

Reservoir storage stood at 63.55 per cent of total capacity, adding to concerns as the state works to secure additional electricity.