The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has been grappling with managing the state's power sector, as electricity demand continues to rise due to the growing use of e-vehicles, electric cooktops, and air-conditioners. On April 18, the state's electricity demand touched a record 6033 MW, with daily consumption reaching 118.26 million units on April 26.

In response, the KSEB imposed 'load restrictions' between 6 p.m. and midnight to preserve the stability of the electricity grid, although these curbs were later lifted as summer rainfall strengthened over the state.

Experts and prosumers, who are consumers that also produce electricity, have criticized the KSEB for its inability to adapt to the growth of renewables, particularly solar power. The KSEB has been surrendering surplus power generated during the daytime and buying electricity at exorbitant rates to meet evening demand.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Kerala's solar capacity stood at 2215.59 MW on March 31, 2026, with domestic rooftop units accounting for 1850.4 MW. The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has found that the KSEB has been surrendering up to 1000 MW contracted from central generating stations during the daytime to accommodate solar power inflow.

The KSEB has been accused of lacking planning, with former director of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology, R.V.G. Menon, stating that the real issue facing the state's power sector is power generation and storage. The KSEB will need to address these challenges to ensure a stable and efficient power sector in the state. The Power Department and the KSEB are expected to review their strategies and implement measures to effectively integrate renewables and manage the growing demand for electricity.