Load shedding to continue: Kerala Power Department cites weak monsoon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is grappling with intermittent power restrictions as the state enters a period of subdued monsoon activity. With no significant rainfall expected over the next five days, officials have warned that load-shedding, particularly during the night, is likely to continue as the state balances rising electricity consumption against reduced availability.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that while the state may receive isolated, stronger spells of rain starting Friday, widespread rainfall remains unlikely in the immediate term. Neetha K. Gopal, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, explained that although a cyclonic circulation has formed over the Bay of Bengal with the potential to develop into a low-pressure area, it is not expected to significantly influence rainfall patterns in Kerala. Meanwhile, neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, are currently experiencing hot weather conditions.

The state has implemented partial power restrictions over the past two days, with many regions experiencing two spells of 30-minute power cuts. The disruption is attributed to a surge in electricity consumption coupled with a substantial decline in domestic power generation compared to previous records.

On Monday, the state’s peak power demand rose to 4,577 megawatts. Domestic power generation for the same day stood at approximately 19.24 million units, with hydroelectric projects contributing 16.13 million units. This represents a significant decrease in output compared to the corresponding day last year, when domestic generation reached 44.22 million units. Given the gap between supply and demand, authorities have confirmed that night-time power restrictions are expected to persist in the coming days.