Kerala faces power crisis as reservoir levels drop to 29%; longer load shedding likely

Pathanamthitta, Kerala: With the southwest monsoon weakening, water levels in Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reservoirs have fallen sharply, raising concerns over a worsening power crisis.

The combined storage across the state's hydroelectric reservoirs has dropped to just 29%, prompting fears that prolonged load shedding and other stringent measures may become necessary if the situation persists.

The decline in reservoir levels has significantly reduced the state's hydropower generation. At the same time, challenges in importing electricity from outside the state have added to the pressure on Kerala's power supply.

As rainfall has diminished, inflows into the reservoirs have dropped considerably, and officials do not expect water levels to recover anytime soon. Meanwhile, electricity consumption has increased with the reduction in rainfall and rising temperatures.

The state's two largest hydroelectric projects, Idukki and Sabarigiri, now have only 29% of their storage capacity remaining. During the same period in 2025, both reservoirs held more than double the current water volume, resulting in significantly higher power generation.

By 12 pm on Wednesday, Kerala's total electricity generation stood at 16.608 million units, compared with 44.221 million units during the corresponding period last year.

Electricity consumption, however, climbed to 88.6419 million units by noon on Wednesday. Of this, 68.8148 million units were sourced from outside the state, highlighting Kerala's growing dependence on imported power.

Power generation at major hydro stations has dropped sharply. On Wednesday, Idukki generated only 5.941 million units, while Sabarigiri produced 2.3886 million units.

Similar conditions prevail at other major 'A' grade hydropower projects, including Sholayar, Idamalayar, Kundala, and Mattupetty. The Mattupetty reservoir currently has only 10% of its storage capacity remaining.

Hydroelectric projects in Pathanamthitta district that depend on the Sabarigiri system, including Kakkad, Allunkal, Karikkayam, Maniyar, and Perunad, are also generating only minimal amounts of electricity.