Kerala dams drying up: KSEB faces power challenges due to poor rainfall

THODUPUZHA: The Idukki Dam recorded an unusually low water level during the peak summer season. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had pinned its hopes on the monsoon to improve the water storage situation. However, the impact of El Niño has affected rainfall patterns across the state.Fifteen days after the beginning of the monsoon season, the catchment area of the Idukki Dam has received 46% less rainfall than expected.

El Niño has weakened the western winds and affected the movement of monsoon clouds. It is a climate pattern in which the water temperature in the Pacific Ocean becomes unusually warm. As the ocean temperature rises, rain clouds move towards the South American coast. This also affects the flow of moisture-filled winds from the Indian Ocean.

Kerala has recorded a 17% drop in overall rainfall this monsoon. Wayanad has received the least rainfall during the monsoon. The district has received only half of the expected rainfall. Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, and Pathanamthitta are the only districts that have received comparatively better rainfall.

The rise in atmospheric temperature caused by El Niño has increased electricity consumption across the country. Kerala has also seen an increase of 10 lakh units in power usage. KSEB tried to arrange short-term power purchase agreements to meet the additional demand but could not succeed. Power availability at electricity exchanges has dropped to 5%. The electricity borrowed from other states during March and April is being returned from June 16. This situation forced KSEB to announce power cuts of up to 30 minutes even in June.

Only 21% water available in dams
The major reservoirs under KSEB currently have only 21% of their total water storage. This is enough to generate around 879.952 million units of electricity. This is the first time since the strong El Niño year of 2023 that water levels have fallen this low in June. The water level in Idukki Dam is at 2,321.04 feet, which is 24% of its storage capacity. The Pamba Dam has only 20% water remaining. The water levels in Sholayar, Thariyode, Kundala, Mattupetty, and Anayirankal dams are below 15%.