Only 32% : Kerala faces power crisis as dam water levels hit nine-year low

THODUPUZHA: Water levels in dams under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) have plummeted to their lowest point in nine years. A significant deficit in summer rains combined with increased power generation due to extreme heat has led to this situation. If this trend continues, the state is headed toward a severe power crisis. This would necessitate purchasing electricity from external sources at high rates, which will subsequently reflect as surcharges on consumer bills.

Currently, only 32% of the total water storage remains in the dams, compared to 41% at the same time last year. The available water can generate only 1328.235 million units (MU) of electricity, while the average daily consumption has crossed 106 MU.

The last time water levels dropped lower than this was in April 2017, when storage fell to 24%.

Key statistics & current status

• Idukki Dam: The water level stands at 2334.6 ft, which is only 34% of its capacity—ten feet lower than last year. To meet record-breaking demand, all six generators are operational, producing an average of 10 MU daily (11.974 MU was generated on Friday).
• Sabarigiri Project: Producing an average of 5 MU daily.
• The Countdown: With 36 days remaining until the expected onset of the monsoon, the crisis will worsen if summer rains continue to fail.

Significant drop in summer rainfall

The state has recorded a 42% deficit in summer rainfall. Against the expected 115.9 mm (from March 1 to date), only 67 mm has been received. Palakkad and Malappuram districts recorded the lowest rainfall, while Kozhikode and Pathanamthitta received near-normal showers.

Dam storage levels (by percentage)

• Idukki: 34%
• Pamba: 28%
• Sholayar: 34%
• Edamalayar: 30%
• Mattupetti: 28%
• Kuttiyadi: 36%
• Tariyode: 22%
• Ponmudi: 21%
• Neriamangalam: 56%
• Peringalkuthu: 26%
• Lower Periyar: 68%

Regulatory hurdle: No approval to buy power at ₹10

1. KSEB sought permission from the State Electricity Regulatory Commission to purchase power at rates up to ₹10 per unit from the 'Term-Ahead Market' during peak hours.
2. While the Commission stated it hasn't blocked emergency power purchases, it requested specific details from KSEB. However, the Board failed to provide these during Friday’s hearing.
3. KSEB argued that failing to purchase power would lead to a crisis. Consequently, the Commission has directed the Board to immediately provide explanations regarding existing power purchase agreements, exchange contracts, and solar energy status.

Peak demand sees slight dip
The peak-hour demand, which had recently crossed the 6000 MW mark, showed a slight decline. On Thursday, the peak demand was recorded at 5950 MW, with total daily consumption standing at 115.2818 MU.