Power consumption to reach all-time high; 6200 MW required during summer, power to be procured from other states

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Power consumption in Kerala is expected to reach an all-time high during the peak summer months of April and May, according to reports. The consumption is already surging, prompting KSEB to arrange emergency power procurement through a swap agreement with northern states. Under this arrangement, Kerala will borrow electricity now and return it later.

Despite the rising demand, authorities assure that there will be no power cuts, load shedding, or disruptions in supply. Last year, the highest recorded consumption was 5,797 MW, but this year, it is expected to reach 6,200 MW. With the state’s current power availability, there could be a shortfall of 700 MW.

In January, power consumption was below 4,000 MW, but by February, it had surged to 4,600 MW. Yesterday, it touched 4,920 MW. The highest consumption recorded last year was on May 3, when it peaked at 5,797 MW.

With increased summer demand, transformers are at risk of overloading and failure. To prevent widespread breakdowns like last year, KSEB has taken precautionary steps. Overloaded transformers in the distribution network will be immediately replaced, and necessary maintenance work will be carried out through coordinated efforts between the transmission and distribution sectors.

Power procurement through swap agreements
From March to May, Kerala will procure power through swap agreements with other states and return it when local power production increases between June and September. Agreements have already been reached with Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, and discussions are ongoing with Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to source additional power.

Planned power procurement (MW) through swap agreements:
March: 650 MW
April: 903 MW
May: 605 MW

Current power availability & shortfall (MW):
State’s own production: 1,200 MW
From central grid: 2,200 MW
Contractual agreements: 2,100 MW
Total availability: 5,500 MW
Estimated shortfall: 700 MW

"The electricity board and the government have taken necessary precautions to handle the expected surge in power consumption."
— K. Krishnankutty, Minister of Electricity