Kerala’s power demand surged during an unusually hot and dry spell, prompting partial electricity restrictions across the state during the evening peak between Tuesday night and early Wednesday, officials said. The restrictions were imposed as power availability through the exchange tightened and grid frequency fell.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had warned that rising demand combined with limited availability through the power exchange could require restrictions. Electricity consumption increased as households and commercial establishments relied more heavily on fans, air-conditioners and other cooling appliances.
The restrictions were enforced from 6.30 pm on Tuesday until 12.30 am on Wednesday. Officials said the state was unable to procure electricity in the required quantity through the power exchange at a time when demand was rising and the wider power system was also under pressure.
The pressure extended beyond Kerala. Electricity demand had increased across the country, contributing to a significant reduction in power availability through the exchange. A notification from the Grid Controller of India said the country was facing a power availability shortage of around 12,000 MW. Officials also cited an unexpected reduction in electricity availability from central generating stations as an additional strain on Kerala’s power system.
Peak-time demand in Kerala had risen by around 800 to 900 MW compared with the demand normally recorded during September in previous years. Officials said demand could increase by a similar margin if the dry conditions continued and rainfall remained limited.
The India Meteorological Department’s temperature readings showed the extent of the unusual heat. Punalur recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 35.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 3.3 degrees above normal. Kottayam recorded 34.6 degrees Celsius, or 3.8 degrees above normal, the highest departure 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 each. Temperatures were also above normal at stations in southern Thiruvananthapuram and northern Kannur.
The immediate pressure on Kerala’s electricity system eased after the restrictions were withdrawn. However, officials said the combination of above-normal temperatures, weakened or delayed monsoon rainfall and constrained power availability remained a concern as the state entered another day of high electricity demand.
