Full Breakdown
Kerala Faces Acute Power Crisis Amid Weak Monsoon and Rising Demand
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Core Event: Record Electricity Consumption and Evening Shortages
In September 2026, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reported average daily consumption of 93.6 million units (mu), peaking at 96.39 mu on September 11. Peak demand hit 4,813 MW at 8:30 p.m., and the grid fell short by 900 MW during the evening peak on September 16, prompting statewide curbs. Imports supplied roughly 71 mu of the 95.82 mu used that Wednesday, while hydropower generation remained limited.
Background & Context: El Niño-Driven Rainfall Deficit and Infrastructure Limits
The India Meteorological Department recorded 1,378.1 mm of rain from June 1 to September 16, a 27 % shortfall of the normal 1,898.4 mm. Reservoirs fell to 63.75 % of capacity, with major dams Idukki and Sabarigiri at 63.18 % and 67.03 % respectively. Temperatures rose, reaching 36.5 °C in Punalur—about 4 °C above normal—boosting demand for air-conditioners and electric-vehicle chargers.
Data & Statistics
- Daily consumption: 93.6 mu average; 96.39 mu peak.
- Domestic generation: 23.06 mu in September.
- Imports: ~71 mu.
- Peak demand: 4,813 MW.
- Rainfall deficit: 27 % below normal.
- Reservoir capacity: 63.75 % average.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government expects to bring the crisis “under complete control” within a week and is negotiating with eight neighboring states, NPCIL, and private suppliers for additional power. KSEB urged consumers to shift high-load activities—ironing, EV charging, water-pump operation—to daytime hours.
Criticism & Opposition
The United Democratic Front (UDF) attributes the shortage to the cancellation of a 25-year, 465 MW power-purchase agreement signed in 2015 by the previous LDF administration. The agreement, involving Jhabua Power Ltd and Jhabua Jindal Power Ltd, was reportedly revoked by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission in 2023 for lacking approvals. Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the claim, accusing the UDF of deflecting “administrative incompetence”.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Renewable energy backed by commensurate storage capacity is Keralam’s panacea for green power.” — Satheesan.
- “We are reducing the power cuts. I believe we will be able to bring things under complete control within a week,” — Satheesan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Hindu cites 93.6 mu consumption and 71 mu imports; Hindustan Times reports 94.08 mu consumption and 71.02 mu imports. Peak demand figures also vary (4,813 MW vs. 4,900-5,100 MW). Details of pending power-purchase agreements remain undisclosed.
What's Next: Short-Term Procurement and Policy Plans
Kerala is securing an additional 150 MW through resale and another 150 MW from NPCIL at INR4.65 per unit. Satheesan announced a revised power policy and supply plan for October 1 onward, alongside negotiations with other states and public-sector generators to close the deficit and expand battery storage for daytime solar generation.