KSEB Imposes Power Restrictions Amid El Niño-Induced Power Crisis
Thiruvananthapuram: In an unprecedented move, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has initiated widespread power restrictions during the monsoon season. The board stated that it was compelled to take this step due to a severe power shortage being experienced across the nation. The strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean has led to a rise in atmospheric temperatures, resulting in a large-scale shortfall in power availability across the country amid steep power consumption, KSEB explained. El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by unusual warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can significantly influence India's weather, particularly the monsoon.
Kerala's Power Situation Worsens
Kerala's power outlook appears bleak as KSEB is required to return the power it had borrowed from other states during March and April, starting from June 16. Although KSEB attempted to secure DEEP (discovery of efficient electricity price) contracts to obtain the necessary power to meet demand, it was unsuccessful amid the El Niño-linked power crisis in India.
“Though the monsoon arrived in the first week of June, the atmospheric temperature has not decreased significantly in Kerala as rains have been intermittent. Although a total demand of 4,100MW was expected, the current demand stands at 4,900MW. Power consumption has also increased by 10 million units,” said a KSEB official.
Even with 1,700MW from domestic production, 1,701MW from central stations, and 612MW available through long-term power contracts, a shortfall of nearly 900MW persists from June 16 to 30 due to the aforementioned reasons. Power availability in power exchanges has also shrunk to 5% under these special circumstances, KSEB noted.
Emergency Meeting and Measures
To assess the situation, Power Minister Sunny Joseph convened an emergency meeting of top officials, including the power secretary and KSEB Chairman M G Rajamanickam. The minister directed that maximum power available through daily contracts must be purchased and brought to the state. “The meeting granted permission to KSEB to impose necessary power restrictions in the coming days if the shortfall cannot be bridged, thereby ensuring the stability of the power network,” said KSEB. It also added that limited power restrictions may become necessary between 6pm and 12am until June 30.
Current Scenario
- The strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean has led to a rise in atmospheric temperature.
- This has resulted in a large-scale shortfall in power availability across India amid steep power consumption.
- From June 16, KSEB has to return the power it borrowed from other states in March and April.
- Till June 30, the state's power shortfall is nearly 900MW.
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