Kerala power crisis: Himachal, Delhi, UP and Odisha fail to offer immediate supply

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is facing a shortage of electricity after attempts by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to arrange additional power from states in northern India failed to provide immediate relief.

KSEB directors held discussions with authorities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh as the state sought additional electricity. However, no significant supply has been secured so far.

There had been expectations that Kerala could receive electricity from Himachal Pradesh through the intervention of Congress leader K.C. Venugopal. Himachal Pradesh, however, has an existing power agreement with Punjab that continues until October. The state has indicated that Kerala could be considered for additional supply after that arrangement ends.

Why are power cuts continuing?

KSEB has been dealing with a disruption involving around 270 MW of power that was expected through long-term contracts. Faults at generating stations have affected the contracted supply, with the disruption expected to be resolved only by Wednesday.

The shortage was further reflected in the state's supply position, with Kerala facing a deficit of around 600 MW on Tuesday.

As a result, power restrictions may have to be considered on days when electricity consumption falls less than expected or when additional power cannot be purchased from the real-time electricity market.

Can rain prevent more power cuts?

Weather conditions could provide some temporary relief.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala during the next three days. Increased rainfall could help reduce electricity demand, particularly for cooling, and ease pressure on the state's power system.

If consumption falls sufficiently, KSEB may be able to avoid imposing additional power restrictions.

However, rainfall alone does not resolve the underlying supply shortage. Kerala's electricity consumption remains around 90 million units, keeping pressure on available resources.

The KSEB directors who travelled to northern India are expected to return on September 25. A review meeting with the Union Power Secretary is scheduled for September 26.

The discussions are expected to provide an update on the availability of additional power and possible arrangements for Kerala.

For now, there is no confirmed immediate supply from Himachal Pradesh or the other states approached by KSEB. The possibility of further power restrictions therefore depends on electricity availability, market purchases and the level of demand in the coming days.