Load shedding to continue in Kerala

The 30-minute load-shedding program is likely to continue in the Indian state of Kerala as a result of fall in power supply from the Central grid. This load shedding applies to all categories of consumers.

According to the Kerala State Electricity Board, the situation is not expected to improve unless flow of electricity from the central grid is restored to normal levels.

Even though Kerala is entitled to 1,134 MW of power from Central power stations, average availability stands at only 970 MW since repair and maintenance work constrain the power stations from functioning at full capacity.

In order to limit the load shedding during evening hours, KSEB is operating some of its hydroelectric plants during the day along with other thermal power stations such as Kozhikode and Brahmapuram despite their high generating costs.

Further, the state board is trying to bridge the demand-supply gap in order to avoid load-shedding by buying electricity from other southern states. However, its efforts have so far been in vain since other states are struggling with severe power shortage as well.