THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decision has been taken not to impose load shedding in the state for the time being. This decision was taken in the meeting chaired by Power Minister K Krishnankutty. The minister demanded Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to suggest other ways to replace load shedding. The minister will meet the chief minister soon. The KSEB will meet today and inform the government their new directions.

The KSEB had earlier demanded regulation as power consumption was surging at an alarming rate following extreme heat. The power minister informed the government's stand at the high-level meeting convened to discuss this. There was also a proposal to bring partial control in the industries. There was a directive to bring in electricity control during night hours. It was also suggested in the meeting that the malls should be instructed to self-regulate the use of electricity. Pumping for agricultural purposes may be restricted to daytime only. It is expected that the current problems will be resolved within fifteen days.

Due to the extreme heat, the electricity consumption in the state is unparalleled in history. The state requires more than five thousand megawatts of electricity during peak times. Earlier the peak time was calculated till eleven at night, but now it is till two in the morning.

Exceeding the power consumption limit has caused transformers to break down and power outages in many places. Protests are also taking place alleging that this is undeclared load shedding.