Kerala may face power cuts tonight as demand rises

Kochi: Kerala may face partial power restrictions between 6 pm and midnight on September 7 as the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) responds to rising electricity demand and reduced power availability through the national power exchange.

Kerala may face partial power restrictions between 6 pm and midnight on September 7, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

KSEB said peak-hour electricity demand in the state has increased by around 600 to 800 megawatts. Higher atmospheric temperatures have contributed to a significant rise in electricity consumption.

At the same time, increased electricity demand across the country has reduced the availability of power through the national power exchange, adding pressure to the state’s electricity supply.

KSEB has therefore warned that partial power restrictions may be imposed during the evening peak-demand period. The restrictions are intended to help manage the gap between electricity demand and available supply.

The possibility of restrictions comes as electricity consumption remains elevated because of the continued high temperatures. KSEB has not indicated that the restrictions will affect all areas of the state equally, with the measure described as partial.

Consumers may therefore experience interruptions between 6 pm and midnight, depending on local supply conditions and the availability of electricity during the peak period.

The immediate issue is a supply-demand gap during peak hours. KSEB says demand has risen by 600–800 MW, while power available through the exchange has fallen because electricity demand is also high elsewhere in the country.

For consumers, this means the possibility of temporary or localised power restrictions in the 6 pm–midnight period, rather than a statewide power shutdown.

The situation is also linked to weather conditions: higher temperatures are increasing electricity consumption, particularly during evening peak hours.