Story perspectives

Kerala imposes curbs after 900MW power shortage

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

KSEB Reports Shortage

KSEB reported a 900 MW shortage during peak hours on September 17, prompting statewide curbs.
Average daily consumption hit 93.6 million units, 10 units above early September 2025 levels.
Peak demand reached 4,813 MW on September 11, with usage at 96.39 mu.
Imports supplied 71.06 mu of the 95.82 mu used on September 17, while internal hydropower rose.

Summary

Satheesan Sets Deadline

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan gave KSEB a one-week deadline to secure new power suppliers.
KSEB chairman M.G. Rajamanickam travelled to Delhi to discuss purchases with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
Kerala Electricity Regulatory Commission cancelled a 465 MW 2015 power purchase deal in 2023 for missing approvals.
Satheesan pledged large-scale battery storage and private partners while warning AI data centres and chip projects will raise demand.

History

Historical Context

In May 1996, a failed southwest monsoon left Kerala with a 300 MW electricity shortfall, prompting statewide load-shedding under the Left Democratic Front government of E.K. Nayanar. The crisis spurred KSEB to diversify generation and invite private partners, a policy that now underlies today’s 900 MW deficit response, with Finance Minister K. Satheesan sending chairman M.G. Rajamanickam to Delhi for NPCIL purchases after KERC cancelled a 465 MW 2015 contract.

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KSEB Reports Shortage

KSEB reported a 900 MW shortage during peak hours on September 17, prompting statewide curbs.
Average daily consumption hit 93.6 million units, 10 units above early September 2025 levels.
Peak demand reached 4,813 MW on September 11, with usage at 96.39 mu.
Imports supplied 71.06 mu of the 95.82 mu used on September 17, while internal hydropower rose.

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