Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has urged people not to politicise the ongoing power shortage and electricity restrictions in the state, asserting that the situation is not a consequence of the newly elected UDF government's tenure but part of a wider challenge being experienced across the country.

Addressing the media, the minister said electricity demand in Kerala has risen sharply by around 1,000 megawatts, placing significant pressure on the power grid. He attributed the crisis primarily to soaring temperatures and reduced rainfall, which have led to a decline in electricity generation.

Sunny Joseph appealed to the public to minimise unnecessary electricity consumption, particularly during peak evening hours. He advised residents to set air conditioners at 25°C, saying the measure could help reduce power usage. The minister also urged people to avoid using high-consumption appliances such as iron boxes and water pumps at night and instead operate them during the daytime wherever possible.

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He further requested households and commercial establishments not to keep lights switched on unnecessarily, stressing that demand management after 6 pm, when electricity consumption peaks, is essential to ease pressure on the grid.

The minister said solar power remains a promising long-term solution, but acknowledged that the lack of adequate energy storage infrastructure to preserve electricity generated during the day continues to be a major challenge. He added that the government is working on urgent measures to improve storage capacity.

Sunny Joseph also noted that Kerala is currently required to return electricity previously borrowed from other states. However, lower power generation has made this difficult, prompting discussions on additional measures to tackle the state's electricity shortfall.