Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is facing a growing electricity shortage as demand remains unusually high during the evening and late-night hours. Amid the crisis, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Chairman and Managing Director M.G. Rajamanickam has asked employees to reduce their own power consumption and lead by example.
In a letter to KSEB staff, Rajamanickam urged employees to avoid unnecessary use of electricity at both offices and homes. He specifically asked them to reduce the use of air-conditioners during peak hours, switch off unused lights and fans, and avoid charging electric vehicles during the evening peak.
The appeal comes as KSEB struggles to meet demand and has been forced to introduce power restrictions in parts of the state.
Kerala’s Power Demand Remains High
Kerala’s electricity demand has risen sharply in September. On September 10, evening demand reached around 5,024 MW, while KSEB Chairman M.G. Rajamanickam said the previous day’s maximum demand had been close to 5,008 MW.
For September 11, KSEB expected demand to rise to around 5,100 MW, while available power remained at approximately 4,200 MW. This created a potential shortage of nearly 900 MW.
The situation is unusual because electricity demand has remained high even late at night. KSEB officials have said the peak load is no longer falling as quickly after midnight as it normally does. Recent reports indicate that high demand has continued until around 2 a.m.
Why Is Kerala Facing a Power Shortage?
Several factors are putting pressure on Kerala’s electricity system.
One major reason is the rainfall deficit. Lower rainfall has affected water inflow into reservoirs, reducing the availability of hydropower, which is an important source of electricity for the state.
At the same time, high temperatures have increased the use of air-conditioners and other cooling equipment. This has pushed electricity consumption higher, particularly during evening hours.
The situation has also been affected by limited availability of electricity from outside Kerala. KSEB has said that power availability through the electricity exchange has declined because demand has increased across the country. The national power system has also been facing a significant supply shortage.
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KSEB Asks Employees to Cut Power Use
Rajamanickam has asked KSEB employees to take the first step themselves.
Employees have been advised to avoid unnecessary electricity use at KSEB offices after 6 p.m. They have been asked to switch off lights and fans that are not needed and avoid using air-conditioners wherever possible.
The same message applies to employees’ homes. Rajamanickam has asked staff to limit air-conditioner use between 6 p.m. and midnight and postpone electric-vehicle charging to off-peak hours.
The chairman said that an individual saving electricity may appear small. However, if thousands of KSEB employees follow the same practice, the combined saving could make a meaningful difference.
The move is also intended to show consumers that the power-saving campaign begins within KSEB itself.
Power Restrictions Continue During Peak Hours
KSEB has already introduced temporary power restrictions because of the shortage.
Restrictions have recently been imposed during the evening and late-night period, when electricity consumption is at its highest. The timing has also been extended as demand remains elevated.
On September 10, KSEB warned of restrictions from around 6.45 p.m. to 12.45 a.m. because of the continuing shortage.
The board has also warned that restrictions may continue if sufficient electricity cannot be purchased from the power exchange or if grid frequency falls.
Government Looking for Immediate Solutions
The Kerala government is also working on measures to manage the crisis.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said the government is trying to address the shortage and ensure that electricity is supplied without placing an excessive financial burden on consumers.
The government has been examining ways to secure additional power while KSEB continues to monitor demand and supply. Officials have also urged consumers to cooperate by reducing unnecessary consumption during peak hours.
KSEB Plans SMS Alerts and Mobile App
KSEB has started sending SMS alerts to consumers about power restrictions. According to Rajamanickam, the board is also preparing a mobile application that will provide information about restrictions and help consumers identify relevant feeder or transformer details.
The aim is to give consumers better information about when and where power restrictions may occur.
Consumers Asked to Save Electricity
KSEB has appealed to the public to reduce electricity use, particularly between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Consumers can help by:
Switching off unnecessary lights and fans.
Avoiding unnecessary use of air-conditioners during peak hours.
Postponing electric-vehicle charging to later, off-peak hours.
Avoiding the simultaneous use of multiple high-power appliances.
Delaying non-essential electricity use until demand falls.
KSEB has indicated that reducing peak demand by hundreds of megawatts through collective conservation could help reduce pressure on the system.
Power Crisis May Continue Through September
The immediate situation remains challenging because demand is staying high for longer than expected. Recent reports suggest that KSEB may have to continue restrictions at least through the end of September if the supply-demand gap does not improve.
The board is also expecting additional power availability later in the month, which could ease the situation.
For now, KSEB’s message is straightforward: every unit saved during peak hours can help reduce pressure on the grid. By asking its own employees to cut consumption first, the board is hoping to encourage the wider public to follow the same approach.
