Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s power regulator has allowed additional electricity procurement after consumption surged during the summer, with demand touching record levels in April.

The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) permitted the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to procure additional power, acting on a petition that cited high consumption during the peak summer season. The order was issued on Saturday by KSERC chairman T K Jose and member B Pradeep.

In its petition, KSEB said that despite alternative procurement arrangements, the state faces significant peak and average deficits during late April and early May 2026.

Demand pattern, solar curtailment detailed

While examining the petition, the commission reviewed system statistics for March and April 2026. It noted that average peak demand met during weekdays from the third week of April ranged between 5,900 MW and 6,000 MW. Night-time off-peak demand stood between 4,500 MW and 5,000 MW, while average energy consumption exceeded 100 million units per day during weekdays.

Daytime demand during these days was only around 3,500 MW. The commission said KSEB had been surrendering up to 1,000 MW of power during daytime from Central Generating Stations and other round-the-clock contracts to accommodate rooftop solar and other solar generation within the state.

It also noted reliance on the short-term market, including power exchanges, to meet peak-hour demand, where rates remain high.

Procurement cap, monitoring directions

The commission approved procurement of up to 250 MW through the Day Ahead Contingency Market and Intra-day Market for the remaining days of April and up to May 15, 2026, or until the critical situation improves, whichever is earlier.

KSEB was directed to set up an immediate mechanism to monitor the daily power situation and place updates before top management, including the CMD, till May 31, 2026, or until normalcy returns. It must also submit day-wise procurement details, including cost, within one week of completion.

On April 17, daily consumption reached 116.11 million units, the highest this month, while peak demand touched 6,013 MW — an all-time high for the state.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have alleged unannounced power cuts in several localities.