Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is witnessing a sharp surge in electricity consumption, and the state is expected to face a severe power shortage until June 30, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

Although the southwest monsoon arrived on June 1, rainfall has not been strong enough to bring down atmospheric temperatures. As a result, electricity demand has risen by around 10 million units per day, the minister said.

Kerala is currently facing a power deficit of around 900 MW during the period from June 16 to June 30.

The minister explained that to meet the high summer demand, the state had procured electricity from other states under swap agreements during March and April. Under the terms of these agreements, Kerala is required to return the borrowed power from June 15 onwards.

Since the state cannot default on these commitments, the obligation to return electricity has further aggravated the shortage. Given the current situation, imposing power restrictions has become necessary, the minister added.