Darkness from 6:15 PM! Power restrictions in state today as well, KSEB issues warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Electricity Board warned that power restrictions may be imposed in the state today as well. Power restrictions are expected between 6:15 PM and 12:45 AM. KSEB said the restrictions were necessary due to a significant drop in electricity availability via power exchanges, caused by a surge in power demand across the country. Temperatures have risen above last year's levels due to a rainfall deficit linked to the El Niño phenomenon.

A shortfall of 12,000 MW—as reported by the Grid Controller of India at the national level—remains unresolved. There is also an unexpected drop in power availability from central generating stations. The unconstrained demand of 5,349 MW recorded at 10:30 PM yesterday is comparable to the demand usually seen during the summer season. KSEB noted that this represents an increase of approximately 1,100 MW compared to the demand levels typically recorded in September in previous years.

Additionally, a further deficit of 200 MW is faced today after the state did not receive the 200 MW of power usually available from Madhya Pradesh via a swap agreement. KSEB has also stated that a supply shortfall of approximately 900 to 1,000 MW is likely to be experienced.