Thiruvananthapuram | September 9, 2026 — Kerala imposed partial power restrictions during the evening peak on Tuesday as unusually high temperatures, weak rainfall and limited electricity availability pushed the state’s power system under strain, officials said.
The restrictions were implemented between 6.30 pm on Tuesday and 12.30 am on Wednesday after electricity demand rose and grid frequency fell. The Kerala State Electricity Board had warned that restrictions could become necessary if power could not be procured in the required quantity through the power exchange.
Officials said prolonged dry conditions and warmer-than-usual weather increased the use of fans, air-conditioners and other cooling appliances in homes and commercial establishments. Peak-time electricity demand in Kerala had risen by about 800 to 900 megawatts compared with levels normally recorded during September in previous years.
The pressure was compounded by reduced availability through the power exchange and an unexpected decline in electricity supplied by central generating stations. A notification from the Grid Controller of India said the country was facing a power availability shortage of around 12,000 MW as electricity demand increased nationwide.
Weather readings released by the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday showed temperatures above normal at several locations in Kerala. Punalur recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 35.2 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees above normal. Kottayam recorded 34.6 degrees Celsius, with a departure of 3.8 degrees above normal—the highest deviation among the monitored stations.
CIAL Kochi recorded 34 degrees Celsius, while Thiruvananthapuram city recorded 33.6 degrees. Kozhikode recorded 33.5 degrees, and Vellanikkara and Palakkad recorded 33.4 degrees. Temperatures were also above normal at stations in southern Thiruvananthapuram and northern Kannur.
The warmer conditions coincided with a weakening or absence of monsoon rain, increasing electricity use during peak hours. KSEB had cautioned that demand could rise further if the dry spell continued. Officials said the increase could be similar to the 800-to-900 MW rise already recorded against typical September demand.
The immediate pressure on Kerala’s power system eased after the restrictions ended, but officials continued to monitor demand, power procurement and supply from central generating stations. The state was heading into another day of potentially high electricity demand as above-normal temperatures and limited rainfall persisted.
