Keralam may face power cuts as heat drives up electricity demand: KSEB

Thiruvananthapuram: Weak monsoon rains and above-normal temperatures across several parts of Kerala have pushed up electricity consumption, prompting the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to warn that partial power restrictions may be imposed during evening peak hours if power availability remains tight.

Temperatures remain above normal

Several parts of the state recorded temperatures significantly above normal on Sunday, according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Kottayam recorded a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, which was 4.4 degrees above normal- the highest departure recorded among the stations in the state.

Punalur in Kollam recorded 35.2 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees above normal. Vellanikkara and Palakkad recorded 34.3 degrees Celsius each, with temperatures 4.1 degrees and 3.9 degrees above normal, respectively.

CIAL (Cochin International Airport Limited) Kochi recorded 34 degrees Celsius, 3.1 degrees above normal. Kozhikode and Kannur recorded 33.4 degrees and 33.3 degrees Celsius, respectively, while Thiruvananthapuram city recorded 33.3 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees above normal.
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Heat drives up electricity consumption

The relatively high temperatures have contributed to a significant rise in electricity consumption in Kerala, KSEB said.

Peak-hour demand in the state has been 500 to 800 MW higher in recent days compared with the demand recorded during September in previous years.

The increase comes as the weak southwest monsoon keeps rainfall below normal in several areas, contributing to hotter conditions and greater use of cooling appliances.

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Power availability remains tight

The pressure on Kerala's power supply is also linked to a broader increase in electricity demand across the country.

The rise in national demand has reduced the availability of electricity through power exchanges. According to the Grid Controller of India, a shortage of around 12,000 MW in electricity availability across the country has not yet been fully resolved.

KSEB has also reported an unexpected reduction in the availability of power from central generating stations.

Partial power restrictions possible

KSEB said it may have to resort to partial power restrictions if sufficient electricity cannot be procured through the power exchange and grid frequency falls.

If required, restrictions could be imposed during the evening peak period, between 6 pm and midnight.

The board said the measure would depend on power availability and the stability of the national grid.