Kerala is facing a power crisis driven by a sharp rise in electricity demand and a series of supply-side pressures, according to the chief minister. The state has seen record consumption levels at a time when power availability has come under stress, leading to outages and tighter supply conditions.
The government has said several of the reasons behind the disruption are not fully within its control. Among the main causes cited are weak rainfall, falling water levels in dams and a steep decline in hydel generation. With hydroelectric output reported to be down by around 80 percent, one of Kerala’s key power sources has been significantly weakened.
The situation has also been worsened by shortages on the wider grid, making it harder for the state to bridge the gap between demand and supply. As a result, the pressure on the electricity system has increased during a period when households and businesses are drawing more power.
To ease the shortage, the government has moved to procure 200MW of power. The step is aimed at stabilizing supply in the near term as the state manages the combined impact of high demand, depleted reservoirs and lower hydel production.
