Power crisis deepens: Kerala braces for imminent nighttime "load restriction" as heat soars

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Daily electricity consumption in Kerala has reached 6,195 MW. Due to the drying up of dams, internal production has decreased to 1,752 MW. Additionally, there is a shortfall of 600 MW caused by the expiration of contracts for purchasing electricity from outside sources. While the Regulatory Commission’s approval to purchase electricity at the rate of Rs 10 is likely to be delayed, unannounced load shedding may be implemented for longer periods starting Monday to resolve the crisis.

Instead of being termed "load shedding," feeders are being turned off for 15 minutes to half an hour under the name of "load restriction." These power cuts will occur at night, and the loss of power during the scorching heat is expected to severely affect the people. KSEB has requested that the public cooperate by reducing their consumption.

The Regulatory Commission has directed that the application to purchase electricity at Rs 10 per unit be resubmitted with a comprehensive overview of the current situation. Meanwhile, KSEB is permitted to purchase electricity without prior permission to meet emergency needs.

The surge in consumption beyond the limit has heavily impacted the transmission and distribution network. The maximum distribution capacity is 6,300 MW, and with current usage at 6,195 MW, transformer failures have become frequent. Voltage variation remains another significant problem.

One crore units of solar are being wasted

• Of the electricity KSEB gets from rooftop solar during the day, 60 lakh to 1 crore units are being wasted per day
• If the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) had been installed earlier, it could have collected the electricity and used it at night
• The agreement was signed with the Solar Energy Corporation in July 2025. Battery installation has not been completed at five centers

Usage should be regulated

1. Do not use pump sets, induction, water heaters, ironing boxes, washing machines, etc. between 6 pm and 11 pm
2. Avoid charging electric vehicles after 6 pm. AC temperature should be adjusted to 24-26 degrees Celsius

"The problem will be resolved within two days. People should cooperate by controlling their usage." — K. Krishnankutty, Electricity Minister