# Kerala electricity shortage and energy policy response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-electricity-shortage-and-energy-policy-response
> Updated: 2026-09-22T02:59:59.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Kerala is facing a significant power crisis driven by rising temperatures, insufficient rainfall, and increased consumption, which has risen by 925 MW compared to the previous year. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan initially expressed optimism that the shortage could be resolved through negotiations with eight states and procurement from Odisha and the Nuclear Power Corporation Limited.

As the crisis persists, a deficit of approximately 600 MW was reported on Tuesday. While the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) attempted to secure additional supply from northern Indian states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh, no immediate relief has been secured. Himachal Pradesh noted that additional supply may only be possible after its current agreement with Punjab concludes in October.

Compounding the shortage is a 270 MW disruption caused by faults at generating stations. Although the 350-MW NTPC Kayamkulam plant could potentially ease the crisis, the facility has remained idle for nearly a decade due to high naphtha costs. NTPC officials stated they are ready to resume generation upon a formal request from KSEB, though fuel procurement would require 45 days.

To address long-term energy security, the state government is exploring the possibility of establishing a nuclear power plant. Power Minister Sunny Joseph stated that the government intends to build political consensus among stakeholders before pursuing this option, noting that the escalating shortage and difficulties in securing emergency contracts necessitate exploring all alternatives. This follows previous discussions regarding innovative renewable options like floating solar and pump storage facilities.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Kerala explores nuclear energy and thermal plants amid power crisis

Kerala faces a significant power deficit as efforts to secure electricity from northern states fail. The government is considering nuclear energy and restarting idle thermal plants to mitigate the crisis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-explores-nuclear-energy-and-thermal-plants-amid-power-crisis

### 2026-09-19: Kerala power crisis prompts calls for collective action and renewable energy innovation

Union Minister Suresh Gopi called for a collective approach to Kerala's power crisis, while the state government explores floating solar and pump storage to address energy needs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-power-crisis-prompts-calls-for-collective-action-and-renewable-energy-innovation

### 2026-09-16: Kerala aims to resolve power crisis within one week

Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan expects the state's power crisis to resolve within a week as the government negotiates electricity purchases with eight states and companies like NPCIL.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-aims-to-resolve-power-crisis-within-one-week

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Cite as: Kerala electricity shortage and energy policy response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-electricity-shortage-and-energy-policy-response