Kerala Sees Dip in Electricity Consumption as Summer Rains Bring Relief

Kerala's power sector has recorded a dip in electricity consumption, with daily consumption levels decreasing by 10 million units (mu) or more compared to many days in April. On several days in May, consumption fell below the 100-mu mark, bringing relief to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

The KSEB had previously attributed a spike in consumption to the use of air-conditioners, electric vehicle charging, and the shift to e-cooking due to an LPG shortage, leading to the imposition of 'load restrictions' to maintain grid stability.

Despite the improvement in summer rainfall, storage in the KSEB's hydel reservoirs has not seen a marked improvement, with combined storage standing at 27% of total capacity on May 7.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put several Kerala districts on yellow alert, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall till May 12, and the KSEB has warned the public to be on guard against the possibility of overhead power cables getting snapped in the strengthened rainfall and winds. The court is not involved in this matter, but the KSEB will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to maintain grid stability.