Use electricity judiciously: KSEB

Thiruvananthapuram: In view of the meteoric rise in the use of electricity in the state during the sweltering summer, KSEB has appealed to consumers to use electric energy more prudently, especially during the peak hours. With the extreme increase in summer heat, electricity usage in the state has surged. Peak-time electricity consumption reached an all-time high of 117.16 million units on April 18. The demand for electricity between 6pm and 10pm also reached a record 6,033MW for the first time in history. On April 23, at 10.30pm, the demand for electricity spiked to 6,195MW for a minute."The data indicates that the electricity demand in the state is beyond expectations. KSEB is making relentless efforts to provide uninterrupted electricity to all consumers by maximising domestic production and purchasing power from outside. As the demand exceeds the limit, the transmission and distribution network is under significant pressure, leading to voltage drops in some areas. KSEB is attempting to alleviate consumer difficulties in such areas through network reorganisation and other measures. To overcome this temporary crisis, KSEB is requesting cooperation in minimising electricity usage between 6pm and 11pm," KSEB said in a statement on Saturday. The use of high-consumption appliances such as pump sets, induction stoves, water heaters, irons, washing machines and ACs, as well as electric vehicle charging, should be avoided after 6pm and scheduled for other times as much as possible. Adjusting AC temperatures to 24-26 degrees Celsius and turning off unnecessary lights and appliances can help alleviate the peak-time electricity crisis and avoid high electricity bills, KSEB said.