Thiruvananthapuram: The state is staring at yet another spell of power restrictions, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) facing a severe power shortage amid a weak monsoon and rising demand. KSEB resorted to load restrictions during peak hours on Friday and Saturday and said it may be forced to impose restrictions across the state in the coming days as it struggles to meet the surging demand.The board said power consumption in the state had increased significantly compared with previous years as atmospheric temperatures continued to remain relatively high. The situation has been compounded by a rise in electricity demand across the country, resulting in a considerable decline in the availability of power through the power exchange.According to an advisory issued by the Grid Controller of India, the shortfall of 12,000MW in power availability across the country has not yet been fully resolved. KSEB is also facing an unexpected reduction in the availability of power from central generating stations.The board said peak-hour power demand in the state during the past few days had increased by 500 to 800MW compared to that recorded during Sept in previous years. With the rains staying away, the state’s power demand is likely to increase by another 500 to 600MW compared to the previous days.According to figures available as on Friday, the state consumed 94.03 million units (MU) of electricity during the day. Internal generation accounted for 26.45 MU while the state depended on net imports of 67.57 MU to meet the demand. Cumulative consumption for the month stood at 370.54 MU, against internal generation of 109.39 MU and net imports of 261.15 MU.Hydel stations generated 23.44 MU during the day, taking their cumulative generation for the month to 97.50 MU. Idukki recorded the highest generation among major stations at 6.11 MU, followed by Sabarigiri at 3.58 MU and Kuttiyadi at 2.9794 MU. Lower Periyar generated 2.11 MU while Neriamangalam recorded 1.31 MU and Poringalkuthu 1.22 MU.“In view of the shortage, partial power restrictions may become necessary in the state between 6pm and midnight on Saturday if adequate power is not available through the power exchange or if the grid frequency falls,” the board said. The restrictions would depend on the availability of power through the exchange and the prevailing grid conditions.KSEB has warned that it may have to continue with similar measures in the coming days if the gap between demand and supply widens further. Senior officials said there was no immediate respite in sight as affordable power was not available.
