Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing electricity crisis and unscheduled load shedding in Kerala have been attributed to alleged failures in power procurement arrangements. The issue has also sparked a political controversy, as frequent power outages were not expected following the government’s election campaign promise of a “power cut-free Kerala.” However, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has stated that load management is being implemented to ease stress on transmission lines due to a sharp rise in electricity consumption.

Why Load Shedding is Being Implemented

KSEB explained that load regulation becomes essential under two conditions:

  • When transmission lines and transformers are unable to handle high demand
  • When there is insufficient power supply to maintain grid stability

As a result, controlled outages of around 15 minutes are being carried out in several areas to protect the grid.

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Officials noted that KSEB had existing agreements to procure 200 MW each from Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, with a condition for return supply during the monsoon. However, one contract expired on the 16th of this month and the other on the 21st, resulting in a combined shortfall of 400 MW.

KSEB maintained that it was aware of the expiry of these agreements in advance and had expected to rely on the power exchange market for short-term procurement. However, sufficient electricity was not available in the Day-Ahead Market, where power is purchased a day in advance.

Subsequently, KSEB approached the Regulatory Commission seeking approval to procure electricity at rates of up to ₹10 per unit in the Term-Ahead Market, where power can be contracted up to 90 days in advance.

The cancellation of long-term contracts—under which electricity was previously available at ₹4.29 per unit—by the Regulatory Commission on grounds of procedural irregularities has further complicated the situation. Since then, KSEB has been unable to finalise new contracts, as bids received in recent tenders have been significantly higher.

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Meanwhile, forecasts indicate rainfall from Monday onwards, which is expected to reduce electricity demand.

KSEB has urged consumers to cooperate by reducing consumption, particularly between 6 pm and 10 pm, when demand is at its peak. In several areas, supply is being temporarily switched off at night due to strain on the transmission and distribution network, with power typically restored within 15–20 minutes.