Power crunch grips India as September deficit hits nearly decade high

NEW DELHI: Kerala faced power shortages in September amid a sharp rise in the country's electricity deficit, which reached its highest September level in nearly a decade. On September 16, when the state's daily power requirement reached 95.82 million units, there was a shortfall of more than 900 MW.

At the national level, the electricity deficit stood at 544 million units in September, according to Grid Controller of India data, compared with 98 million units in August. The deficit thus increased more than fivefold in a single month. On September 15 alone, the country's daily electricity shortage reached 54 million units.

Electricity consumption in the country increased by around 11% in September. A below-normal monsoon and high demand put additional pressure on the power system, while reduced hydropower generation and low coal stocks at thermal power plants added to the supply constraints. On September 30, 84 thermal power plants were reported to have critical coal stocks, with actual stocks at only 36% of the normative requirement.

In Kerala, hydropower, solar and wind generation, along with assured supplies from central generating stations and long- and medium-term contracts, together provided 81 million units on September 16. With demand exceeding 95 million units, the state could procure only 3.5 million units from the short-term power market.

The increase in demand across the country also made short-term power purchases more difficult for Kerala. At the same time, the national grid faced significant stress, contributing to additional power restrictions in the state.