Kerala could see another night of power restrictions as KSEB faces a possible 600 MW deficit during peak hours. The warning comes amid rising temperatures, higher electricity demand and a nationwide power availability shortage.
Kochi: Kerala could face partial power restrictions again on Saturday night as the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) struggles to meet a sharp rise in peak-hour demand amid limited availability from central generating stations and power exchanges.
KSEB has warned that partial electricity restrictions may be imposed across Kerala during the evening peak period on Saturday.
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The restriction window has been indicated as 6 pm to midnight, with another update referring to the possibility of restrictions from around 6:30 pm.
KSEB said the restrictions will depend on real-time electricity availability. Load shedding will be carried out only if the required power cannot be sourced through the electricity exchange.
The board has asked consumers to reduce electricity consumption as much as possible during the evening peak hours.
Why is Kerala facing a power shortage?
The immediate pressure on Kerala's power system is being driven by a combination of higher demand and inadequate supply.
A rise in ambient temperatures has pushed electricity consumption upwards, while the state is also receiving lower-than-required power from central generating stations and the power exchanges.
KSEB said peak-hour demand has increased by around 500 to 800 MW compared with September levels in previous years.
The absence of rain has also contributed to the increase in electricity consumption as households use more cooling appliances.
National electricity shortage adds to pressure
The problem is not limited to Kerala.
According to data cited from Grid Controller of India, the country is currently facing an electricity availability shortage of around 12,000 MW.
With demand rising across the country, KSEB said it is unable to purchase all the additional electricity it needs from power exchanges.
This has left the state with limited options during the evening peak period.
Kerala could face a deficit of up to 600 MW
KSEB has warned that the state could face a power deficit of as much as 600 MW compared with the electricity available on previous days.
If grid frequency falls because demand exceeds available supply, the board could be forced to introduce partial restrictions to protect the stability and safety of the electricity system.
The restrictions are therefore being described as a contingency measure rather than a fixed statewide power cut for every consumer.
Fourth consecutive day of restrictions
Saturday marks the fourth consecutive day on which Kerala has faced the possibility of night-time power restrictions.
The continuing situation highlights the pressure on the state's electricity system during peak evening consumption.
KSEB has stressed that the restrictions will depend on whether sufficient electricity can be purchased from the power exchange at the required time.
What consumers should do
KSEB has appealed to the public to minimise electricity consumption during the evening peak period.
Reducing the use of high-consumption appliances between 6 pm and midnight can help lower pressure on the grid.
Consumers should also follow official updates from KSEB regarding any local or area-specific restrictions.
Why the power crisis matters
Kerala's latest power restriction warning reflects a wider supply-demand imbalance rather than a single local problem.
The state's peak demand has risen substantially compared with previous years, while the availability of electricity from central generating stations and power exchanges has been constrained. At the same time, a national electricity deficit has made it harder for KSEB to simply buy additional power to bridge the gap.
The immediate concern is grid stability. If demand significantly exceeds available supply and grid frequency falls, controlled load shedding can be used to prevent a more serious system disturbance.
For consumers, the situation also shows why evening peak hours are particularly important. Even when there is sufficient electricity available for most of the day, a sharp concentration of demand during a few hours can create a temporary supply deficit.
The duration and extent of any restrictions on Saturday will therefore depend on real-time demand and power availability.
Published: 05 Sept 2026, 05:37 pm IST
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