The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is contemplating measures to impose restrictions on electricity usage, pending approval from the government. The unprecedented strain on the state’s power distribution network, exacerbated by a record peak demand of 5,717 MW, has prompted KSEB to consider curbing consumption during peak hours.
Senior officials at KSEB underscored the technical challenges posed by the current power consumption levels, warning that the distribution network’s capacity could be overwhelmed if demand surpasses 5,800 MW. They highlighted that prolonged stress on transformers due to overload has already resulted in the burning out of at least 700 units since the onset of summer.”The current scenario necessitates immediate action to manage power consumption effectively. Transformers are at risk of tripping when the demand exceeds manageable limits, which could potentially disrupt the national power grid,” stated a KSEB official.The widespread power disruptions reported across various parts of the state recently, KSEB urged consumers to cooperate by reducing electricity usage, particularly during nighttime hours. The board emphasized that these measures are critical to prevent further damage to the infrastructure and ensure sustainable power supply.
KSEB officials highlighted the impact of rising power prices in the national market, where costs have surged significantly, forcing the board to procure electricity at rates exceeding Rs 15 per unit on certain days. They also noted that despite the onset of the crisis in March, the board refrained from implementing restrictions due to electoral directives until after the Lok Sabha elections.KSEB will seek approval from the Electricity Regulatory Commission before implementing any formal restrictions or load shedding measures. The board remains hopeful that with public cooperation and strategic management, they can mitigate the current power consumption challenges without compromising on the state’s electricity needs.The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable energy management practices and potentially reevaluating resistance towards new hydel power projects to bolster Kerala’s energy security in the long term.
