Infrastructure upgrade: KSEB strengthens distribution network for summer peak

Monday 13 April, 2026 | 12:51 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Power outages and darkness caused by surging electricity consumption during the summer heat may soon be a thing of the past. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has implemented strategic measures to prevent transformer breakdowns and system overloads. By installing higher-capacity power lines and additional transformers, the board aims to avert the infrastructure crises seen in previous years.

This proactive approach follows the challenges of 2024, when hundreds of transformers failed overnight due to excessive demand, leaving many areas without power for days and forcing the board to impose strict consumption controls.

To prevent a recurrence, KSEB has significantly upgraded the grid. Key improvements include:

Upgrading Infrastructure: Converting single-phase lines to three-phase systems.
Capacity Boosting: Installing higher-capacity transformers across high-demand areas.
Network Expansion: Laying new High-Tension (HT) and Low-Tension (LT) lines to ensure stable distribution.

Previously, even when electricity was purchased from outside Kerala at high costs, the aging distribution network struggled to deliver it smoothly. With consumption expected to spike significantly after mid-April and throughout May, KSEB’s reinforced system will face its first major test of the season.

Consumption soars

Saturday daily consumption: 106.88 million units

Daily consumption record (May 3, 2024): 115 million units

Saturday peak usage: 5671 MW

Peak usage record (March 26, 2026): 5836 MW

Systems installed

Transformers

2024-25................ 2554

2025-26............... 3245

11 KV line construction

2024-25...............856 km,

2025-26............... 819.73 km