Kollam: Unannounced load shedding has commenced across the state as electricity consumption soared to an all-time high, exceeding 117 million units. The Electricity Board has issued verbal instructions to implement 15-minute power cuts during the night. Load shedding had already begun in certain parts of the Malabar region a week ago.

Following this, 10 to 15-minute power cuts have also started in the Travancore and Kochi regions. However, KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) officials maintain that formal load shedding has not been initiated; instead, they claim specific instructions and "adjustments" are being implemented to manage the power crisis.

There are indications that if the current heatwave persists, night-time power restrictions may need to be extended to 30 minutes in the coming days.