Low water levels in dams raise electricity shortage fears

THODUPUZHA: Only 21 percent water remains in the reservoirs under the KSEB, raising concerns over a possible power crisis in Kerala if the monsoon is delayed. Officials said the remaining water can generate only 876.685 million units of electricity. At the current rate of usage, the available water can support power generation for a maximum of 39 more days. During the same period last year, reservoir levels stood at 28 percent.

Due to weak summer rains, water levels have been falling by around one percent every two days on average. Since March 1, dam storage levels across the state have dropped by 35 percent. The water level at the Idukki Dam, Kerala’s largest hydroelectric project, currently stands at 2322.06 feet. This is only 24 percent of its maximum storage capacity and six percent lower than last year. Officials warned that the state could once again face a power shortage if the southwest monsoon does not arrive early.

Power consumption drops
Electricity consumption in the state has reduced compared to April. On Tuesday, Kerala used 99.0497 million units of electricity. Out of this, 74.0281 million units were purchased from outside the state, while only 25.0216 million units were produced internally. Among the domestic production, 9.586 million units came from the Idukki hydel project and 4.9131 million units from the Sabarigiri Hydroelectric Project.

Summer rainfall below expectations
Kerala received less summer rain than expected this year. Between March 1 and now, the state received 232.2 mm rainfall against the expected 269.2 mm- a deficit of 14 percent. Rainfall in Idukki and Palakkad districts was 38 percent below normal. However, Kozhikode and Kannur received excess rainfall. Kannur recorded more than 50 percent excess rain.

Water levels in major dams (in percentage)
Idukki – 24%
Pamba – 16%
Sholayar – 17%
Idamalayar – 23%
Mattupetty – 11%
Kuttiyadi – 23%
Thariyode – 12%
Anayirankal – 31%
Ponmudi – 24%
Peringalkuthu – 30%