Kerala to face power restrictions until midnight today amid 800 MW shortage

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is likely to face partial power restrictions tonight as well due to a shortage of 600 to 800 MW in power availability, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said. The restrictions may be imposed between 6.45 pm and midnight due to the unavailability of the required amount of electricity through the power exchange and a drop in grid frequency.

However, KSEB said the restrictions could be avoided if sufficient electricity becomes available through the power exchange.

Power consumption in the state has increased due to the decline in rainfall and rise in atmospheric temperature following the El Niño phenomenon. The increased demand has pushed electricity requirements up by as much as 1,200 MW in September compared with previous years. The lack of significant rainfall has also added to the concern, as there has been no major decline in power consumption.