Kerala faces shortages as demand hits 5,450 MW this September
Kerala is in a tough spot right now: electricity demand has shot up way past what the state can supply, thanks to scorching temperatures and power-swap deals.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) was expecting peak demand at 4,850 MW this September, but it's jumped to 5,450 MW.
On top of that, KSEB has to return 3.4 million units of electricity every day until the end of the month.
KSEB faces 600 MW gap
With only 4,850 MW available from all sources, KSEB faces a 600 MW gap, meaning scheduled power cuts during peak hours.
Low river levels and heavy usage have made it harder for hydel projects like Thottiyar to help out.
Even efforts to buy extra power from outside haven't worked out: bids for thousands of megawatts brought in under 100 MW.
Water levels at Idukki reservoir are down too, adding more stress as El Nino keeps the heat up.