Kerala faces power crisis as heatwave drives electricity demand

Kerala is facing a significant power crisis driven by a heatwave and rising electricity consumption. Temperatures across the state have remained 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal, with some areas recording maximum temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius. This surge in heat has caused peak-hour electricity demand to jump by as much as 800 MW compared to previous years.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has already implemented power restrictions of up to one hour in several areas. The board warned that partial restrictions between 6 pm and midnight may become necessary if power availability through the exchange and grid frequency continue to decline. Procurement challenges have been exacerbated by high prices in the real-time electricity market and a lack of successful tenders for September peak-hour supply.

Nationwide, the Grid Controller of India reported a shortage of 12,000 MW in electricity availability, which has reduced the amount of power available to Kerala through the exchange. Additionally, there has been an unexpected reduction in power availability from central generating stations. The State Disaster Management Authority has issued precautionary measures to mitigate risks of heat exhaustion and dehydration due to the intense temperatures.