Load shedding returns despite claims as power demand surges

Thiruvananthapuram: A high-level meeting of KSEB on Tuesday decided to introduce load shedding of up to 30 minutes between 6 pm and midnight to manage rising power demand, based on real-time demand and supply conditions. It directed the Kerala State Load Despatch Centre to regulate demand through restrictions.Top officials will review the situation daily, while the board hopes a delayed but widespread spell of summer rains will bring down temperatures and ease demand. Power consumption in the state hit an all-time high of 118.26 MU on Monday, while evening peak demand touched a record 6,195 MW for a minute at 10.30 pm on April 23.The decision comes against the backdrop of the LDF govt's political narrative of a decade without load shedding during the recent assembly election campaign, but the current situation underscores the strain on the system. The meeting attributed the surge largely to rising temperatures: against a forecast of 38°C, the mercury climbed to 41°C, triggering a sharp increase in air-conditioner use."In light of the heatwave sweeping across the country, electricity availability in the national market has dropped significantly. As a state that procures over 70% of its power from outside, this has been identified as a crisis," a KSEB communication said, adding that the 200 MW shortfall from central generating stations is expected to be resolved by the evening of April 28, 2026.The meeting noted that an unexpected surge in demand triggered the crisis, with this year's growth far outpacing the average annual increase. "The spike is attributed to higher air-conditioner use and electric vehicle charging after 6 pm, along with increased reliance on induction cooking amid a cooking gas shortage linked to the Middle East conflict," it said.However, it noted that excess consumption is largely confined to specific hours between 9.30 pm and midnight, and the situation could be managed with public cooperation and responsible energy use. It warned that excessive demand could strain the transmission and distribution network, leading to serious disruptions.In extreme situations, the meeting authorised the chief engineer of the State Load Despatch Centre to enforce power regulation for up to 30 minutes between 6 pm and midnight to maintain grid stability.