Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala could face limited power restrictions in the coming days as the state grapples with a severe electricity shortage, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

KSEB said limited power regulation may be required between 6 pm and midnight until June 30 as demand continues to outpace available supply.

The board attributed the situation to a sharp rise in electricity consumption across the country, driven by higher temperatures associated with the strengthening El Niño phenomenon. Although the monsoon has arrived in Kerala, rainfall has not been sufficient to bring temperatures down significantly, resulting in sustained high power consumption across the state.

Demand exceeds projections

KSEB said the state's peak power demand, which had been projected at around 4,100 MW, has risen to as much as 4,900 MW. Electricity consumption has also increased by 10 million units.

According to the board, Kerala is expected to face a deficit of around 900 MW until June 30 even if it receives its full allocation of 1,700 MW from domestic generation, 1,701 MW from central generating stations and 612 MW through long-term power purchase agreements.

The impact of the shortage has already been felt in some areas. On June 16, limited power restrictions were imposed in parts of the state between 9 pm and midnight.

Emergency meeting chaired by minister

An emergency meeting chaired by Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph was held to review the situation and assess measures to address the shortfall.

The minister directed officials to procure the maximum possible quantity of electricity through daily power purchase agreements to meet rising demand.

The meeting also authorised KSEB to impose essential power restrictions if the shortage worsens and becomes difficult to manage in the coming days.

Fresh concerns over power management

Kerala witnessed similar concerns in April when electricity consumption crossed a record 117 million units. At the time, the Opposition UDF accused the then ruling LDF government of carrying out unannounced load shedding in different parts of the state as demand reached unprecedented levels.

The latest reports of possible power restrictions have surfaced about a month after the UDF assumed office following the Assembly election verdict.