THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Kerala may face power restrictions during peak evening hours as rising electricity consumption and reduced availability from outside the state put pressure on supplies, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said.
KSEB said restrictions could become necessary between 6.45 pm on Thursday and 12.45 am on Friday if sufficient electricity cannot be secured through the power exchange or if grid frequency falls.
Electricity consumption in Kerala has risen significantly as a rainfall deficit and relatively high temperatures drive up demand, the board said. At the same time, the availability of electricity through power exchanges has declined as demand increases across India.
KSEB said peak-hour consumption in Kerala has risen by about 800 MW to 900 MW compared with previous Septembers.
The board also cited a nationwide shortage of about 12,000 MW reported by India’s grid authorities, saying the deficit had not been fully resolved. It said there had also been an unexpected decline in electricity available from central generating stations.
With dry conditions continuing, KSEB expects Kerala to face an availability shortfall of around 800 MW to 900 MW compared with previous days.
The warning comes amid growing public concern over night-time power restrictions reported across parts of the state in recent days.
The Kerala State Electricity Board has cautioned that peak-hour power restrictions may be needed on Thursday night as electricity demand soars and external supplies shrink. Consumption has risen by 800–900 MW compared with previous Septembers, driven by rainfall deficit and high temperatures, while power exchange availability has dropped amid a national shortage of around 12,000 MW.