Kerala faces possible peak-hour power curbs as demand surges, KSEB warns

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.