Electricity consumption peaks at 5802 MW amid rising temperatures

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Widespread use of fans and air conditioners to cope with the heat has pushed electricity consumption in the state to record levels. For the first time in history, peak-time power usage touched 5,802 megawatts on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 5,797 megawatts recorded during the summer of 2024. Daily power consumption has also reached the highest level this year, with more than 108 million units used on Wednesday. The all-time record for daily consumption stands at 115 million units, recorded in May 2024. The KSEB said it can manage demand even if peak consumption rises to 6,000 megawatts. A high-level meeting was held on Thursday to assess the situation.

The increased use of induction stoves due to cooking gas shortages has also contributed to the surge in electricity demand. In 2024, the state had to resort to unscheduled power cuts to manage a similar crisis. The situation may worsen if the intense heat continues through April and May.

Yellow alert in 12 districts
A yellow alert has been issued in 12 districts due to the possibility of extreme heat. Temperatures may rise to 38°C in Kollam, Kottayam, and Palakkad districts, and up to 37°C in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur. In Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, and Kasaragod, temperatures may reach up to 36°C. These districts may see temperatures 2 to 3 degrees above normal.

On Thursday, the highest temperatures were recorded in Punalur (38°C) and Palakkad (38.6°C). Thiruvananthapuram recorded 36.1°C, Kozhikode 37°C, and Kochi 36°C.

High UV index levels
An orange alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Palakkad districts due to high UV index levels. People have been advised to take extreme caution between 10 am and 3 pm, when ultraviolet radiation is at its peak.

Chance of rain
While the state is reeling from intense heat, light rain is expected on Friday in most districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. However, this rainfall is unlikely to bring significant relief from the summer heat.