Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The state’s electricity demand hit a record high before the onset of April, with the state requiring 5,802 MW at 10:30 pm on Wednesday. The previous peak was 5,797 MW on the night of June 2, 2024.

Total electricity consumption on Wednesday reached 10.8 crore units, marking this month’s highest usage. On the same day last year, consumption was 9.9 crore units. The all-time daily consumption record remains 11.59 crore units, set on June 3, 2024.

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Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) noted that the average demand in March was around 5,550 MW. However, peak demand has exceeded expectations, with estimates suggesting it could reach 6,000 MW. KSEB is currently sourcing additional power from the electricity exchange due to shortfalls in contracted supply. Nighttime rates on the exchange are up to ₹10 per unit, while evening demand between 3 pm and 6 pm reached 3,800 MW, slightly below the projected 4,000 MW.

KSEB identified four key factors driving the surge in demand:

  • Increased use of air conditioners due to rising temperatures is causing higher nighttime consumption.
  • Greater use of induction cookers owing to LPG shortages.
  • Election campaigning.
  • Exam season.

Despite the increased consumption, KSEB assured that power supply would remain uninterrupted. On Thursday, Chairman and Managing Director Minhaj Alam reviewed the situation with officials to monitor demand and ensure stable power distribution.