Power crisis deepens in state as weak monsoon lowers dam water levels

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is facing a worsening power crisis as the weak monsoon has reduced water levels in reservoirs. The water storage level in dams has fallen to just 20.89% of their total capacity, making it difficult to increase hydropower generation.

If the monsoon does not become active soon, the state may face load shedding at any time. On Saturday, power restrictions were imposed several times, lasting more than an hour in total. The state’s domestic power generation on that day was only 19.6464 million units.

During the same period last June, water levels in Kerala’s dams were above 58%, and electricity generation was more than 47 million units. Due to continued high temperatures in North India, electricity is also not easily available for purchase from outside states.

On Saturday night, the KSEB tried to buy expensive electricity from the real-time market to cover a shortage of 700 megawatts, but it was not available. Since Sunday was a holiday and there was widespread rainfall in parts of the state, strict power restrictions were not required. The shortage on Sunday was around 300 megawatts.

KSEB seeks approval to buy costly power
KSEB has applied to the regulatory commission to purchase electricity at higher rates through short-term agreements until December. The commission conducted a hearing on the request and is expected to consider the matter soon, with an order likely within two days. The board is planning to purchase electricity at rates of up to Rs 10 per unit. The additional cost may have to be recovered from consumers through a surcharge.

Domestic production fails to meet rising demand

1. Electricity consumption in Kerala has increased significantly over the past six years, but domestic generation capacity has not grown at the same pace.
2. Peak power demand, which was 3,416 MW in April 2020, crossed 5,900 MW in April 2026.
3. Increased use of air conditioners and the growing number of electric vehicles have contributed to higher power consumption.

Solar power and BESS seen as solutions

1. Kerala’s installed solar power capacity is expected to reach around 2,300 MW, while the installed capacity of hydropower projects remains below 2,200 MW.
2. Experts suggest using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to store solar power during the day and use it at night. The construction of BESS facilities at five locations needs to be accelerated, according to officials.

Total consumption on Saturday: 86.96 million units
Peak time consumption: 4,500 MW
Power purchased from outside: 67.3151 million units
Hydropower generation: 16.7052 million units
Total generation including solar: 19.6464 million units

Same day in June 2025
Total consumption: 79.7118 million units
Peak time consumption: 4,001 MW
Power purchased from outside: 32.4234 million units
Hydropower generation: 40.8949 million units
Total generation including solar: 47.2984 million units