Kerala's Electricity Demand Soars to Record Seasonal High, KSEB Convenes Emergency Meeting
The state of Kerala is witnessing an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption, with peak demand breaking all previous records for this season. On Thursday night, between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, the power demand touched a staggering 5,836 megawatts, marking the highest level recorded so far during this period. This follows a demand of 5,802 MW on Wednesday, indicating a consistent upward trend.
Consumption Figures and Historical Context
In the 24-hour period ending at 7:00 AM on Friday, the total electricity consumption stood at 109.1 million units. This is approaching the all-time daily consumption record of 115.9 million units, which was set on May 3, 2024. The rapid increase in demand has caught the attention of energy authorities, who are now scrambling to manage the situation effectively.
Emergency High-Level Meeting and Assurance
In response to the escalating power demand, KSEB Chairman and Managing Director Minhaj Alam convened an emergency high-level meeting on Friday. The meeting was attended by directors and chief engineers of the board. After a thorough assessment, the officials concluded that even if the demand continues to rise in the coming days, KSEB will be capable of ensuring uninterrupted power supply to all consumers across the state.
The board had initially planned for peak load demands of approximately 5,200 MW in April and 5,600 MW in May. However, these expectations have already been surpassed, with demand crossing the 5,800 MW mark in March itself, highlighting the severity of the current situation.
Supply Challenges and Procurement Efforts
During peak hours, Kerala's hydropower projects can supply only up to 1,500 MW of electricity. The state has the capacity to draw about 4,000 MW from the central grid, but with demand exceeding forecasts, KSEB is making continuous efforts to procure additional electricity from external sources at significantly high costs. Currently, power is being purchased from exchanges at a cost of up to Rs 20 crore, putting financial strain on the board.
Infrastructure Strain and Mitigation Measures
The surge in demand has also placed considerable pressure on the transmission and distribution network, leading to low voltage issues in several areas. To address these challenges, KSEB is implementing network reconfiguration and other technical measures to stabilize the grid and improve reliability.
Appeal to Consumers for Cooperation
KSEB has urgently appealed to consumers to cooperate in managing this temporary crisis by reducing electricity usage during peak hours, specifically from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Consumers are advised to limit the use of high-consumption appliances such as pump sets, induction stoves, water heaters, and irons during this period. Additionally, they are encouraged to switch off unnecessary lights and devices and set air conditioners at 25°C to conserve energy.
KSEB Chairman Minhaj Alam has personally requested consumers to support these efforts, emphasizing that collective action is essential to overcome the temporary power crisis and ensure stable supply for all.
