Kerala faces 900 MW power deficit; KSEB scrambles for interstate power purchases to avert severe crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Compounded by an El Niño-induced weak monsoon and soaring pan-India temperatures, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has initiated emergency talks with neighbouring states to secure external power and stabilise the state’s grid. The move comes as a sharp spike in peak-hour demand has left the state facing a 900 MW deficit, forcing the utility provider to implement mandatory 15-to-30-minute load shedding until June 30.

On Thursday, senior KSEB officials held high-level discussions with the Energy Secretaries of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. While Bihar has agreed in principle to supply 300 MW of power daily until 9:00 PM, negotiations with Madhya Pradesh are still underway.

Grid management officials noted that securing external power exclusively for peak hours has become exceptionally difficult, as most states are holding onto reserves to meet their own local demand.

Failed tenders worsen supply outlook

The current crunch highlights Kerala's vulnerability during peak consumption hours. KSEB’s recent attempts to bridge the supply gap through commercial channels have hit a wall:

• Peak-Load Tender: A recent tender floated by KSEB to secure 500 MW of short-term power specifically for peak hours received zero bids from private generators.
• Round-the-Clock (RTC) Tender: Following the failed peak-load bid, KSEB revised its strategy and invited tenders for 24x7 continuous power supply. However, this round also met with a lukewarm response, leaving the utility with few commercial options.

Low reservoir storage poses long-term threat

While immediate demand management relies on inter-state purchases, the medium-term outlook remains grim if southwest monsoon rains continue to fail. Hydroelectric reservoirs in the state are running dangerously low compared to previous years:

• Current Storage: Water levels in the state's hydel reservoirs have dropped to just 21.25% of total storage capacity.
• Historical Comparison: This marks a steep decline from the same period last year, when storage levels stood at a healthier 47.22%.

Despite water volumes tracking at less than half of last year's levels, KSEB has been forced to maintain normal hydel power generation to prevent widespread blackouts. Internal sources warn that if rainfall does not intensify drastically in the coming weeks, the state may have to brace for more stringent and prolonged power restrictions.