Rising heat and rainfall deficit: Kerala facing evening power cuts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has implemented partial power restrictions across the state, with controls coming into effect as of 7:00 PM this evening. The measure follows a sharp rise in electricity consumption driven by increasing ambient temperatures and a persistent rainfall deficit linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

According to the state utility, the decision to regulate power usage was necessitated by electricity demand significantly outpacing figures from previous years. KSEB officials indicated that consumption levels were projected to climb by as much as 500 megawatts today compared to recent daily averages.

The grid is also facing pressure from broader national trends. Officials stated that electricity demand has spiked across the country, limiting the availability of power on the national exchange. This shortage has made it increasingly challenging for the state to procure the additional supply required to meet the local surge.

The KSEB noted that the ongoing restrictions are contingent upon the availability of electricity through the national power market. The board continues to monitor grid stability as it works to manage the shortfall in supply against the elevated demand.