Saturday and Sunday power cuts avoided; KSEB warns of ongoing supply crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a brief respite for consumers across the state, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) managed to avoid implementing scheduled power restrictions over the weekend. This temporary relief was made possible by securing additional power from neighbouring southern states and a timely dip in temperature following weekend showers.

According to an official KSEB press release, the utility averted widespread power cuts by purchasing approximately 650 MW of electricity at high market rates. The additional supply was drawn from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, a move made smoother by the lack of congestion in the power corridor routing electricity into Kerala.

However, officials cautioned that this arrangement is far from a permanent solution. Continuously drawing power from the national grid beyond scheduled allocations violates the established Grid Code, meaning the board cannot rely on this as a steady source of electricity.

On Saturday, June 20, the state faced an average supply deficit of 300 to 500 MW between 7:00 PM and midnight. The peak power demand for Saturday hit 4,833 MW at 7:17 PM.

While Saturday night required aggressive management to bridge the supply gap, Sunday brought a natural reprieve. Rainfall across the state lowered atmospheric temperatures, subsequently slashing statewide power demand by nearly 700 MW compared to the previous night.

With Sunday's peak demand dropping to 4,266 MW (recorded at 7:24 PM), the necessity for forced load shedding was entirely bypassed for the day.

Weekend Demand Breakdown:

• Saturday Peak: 4,833 MW at 7:17 PM (Deficit of 300–500 MW managed via high-cost imports)
• Sunday Peak: 4,266 MW at 7:24 PM (Demand dropped by ~700 MW due to rain)

Despite the trouble-free weekend, KSEB made it clear that the state's underlying power crisis remains critical. A severely delayed and weak monsoon has left major reservoirs and hydel dams with low water storage. Compounded by a broader, nationwide shortage in electricity availability, the utility warned that long-term stability is still at risk and long-term load shedding protocols may still be necessary if conditions do not improve.