Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8: Kerala is facing growing pressure on its electricity network as a spell of intense heat pushes power demand sharply higher. With temperatures expected to remain 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal and limited electricity available during peak hours, temporary power restrictions have been imposed in several areas.
The state recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the hot conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday. Some relief is likely from Wednesday, with rain forecast in parts of the state.
The rise in temperatures has led to a sharp increase in electricity consumption. KSEB estimates that demand has climbed by as much as 800 MW as households and businesses use more air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances.
At the same time, the availability of electricity from outside the state has remained limited during peak hours. KSEB is also finding it difficult to arrange additional short-term power because of high prices in the real-time electricity market.
The board had invited bids to procure additional electricity for September, but did not receive offers for peak-hour supply. This has left the utility with limited options to manage the sudden increase in demand.
As a result, power restrictions of up to an hour were imposed in some areas on Monday. Similar measures could continue if demand remains high and additional power is not available.
The situation is putting added pressure on households, shops, commercial establishments and small businesses that depend on a stable electricity supply. Any prolonged restrictions could disrupt normal operations and increase dependence on backup power.
Authorities are closely monitoring the power situation as well as the weather. The expected arrival of rain could bring some relief by reducing temperatures and easing electricity demand in the coming days.