Kerala braces for power crisis, record consumption triggers unofficial load shedding

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Electricity consumption in Kerala has surged to an unprecedented all-time high of 117 million units. In response, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued verbal instructions to implement 15-minute load shedding during peak night hours.

While 15-minute power cuts began in parts of the Malabar region a week ago, similar 10–15 minute restrictions have now been reported in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Despite these reports, KSEB officials maintain that formal load shedding has not yet commenced, describing the current disruptions as "arrangements and instructions" necessary to manage the deepening power crisis. However, if the extreme heat persists, there are indications that nightly power restrictions could be extended to 30 minutes.

Minister for Electricity K. Krishnankutty has stated that the issue is expected to be resolved within the next two days. While denying that any "undeclared load shedding" is officially in effect, the Minister urged the public to reduce electricity usage during peak hours. The current crisis is attributed to a combination of intense heat and a lack of rainfall, which has simultaneously spiked demand while decreasing local hydroelectric production.