Electricity consumption dips as summer rain gives Kerala some respite from heat

Kerala’s power sector has recorded a perceptible dip in electricity consumption with strengthened summer rains bringing cooler weather. Daily consumption levels have decreased by 10 million units (mu) or more compared to many days in April.

On a number of days in May, the consumption also fell below the 100-mu mark, bringing relief to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). It may be recalled that, at the peak of summer heat in April, consumption had spiralled to 118.26 mu (on April 26), while the demand after 6 p.m. had shot up to 6033 megawatt (MW) on April 18, both all-time highs for Kerala.

‘Load restrictions’

The KSEB had attributed the spike to the use of air-conditioners, electric vehicle charging and the shift to e-cooking in the face of an LPG shortage. The situation in April had deteriorated to the extent that the KSEB had decided to impose below-30-minute ‘load restrictions’ between 6 p.m. and midnight in unavoidable circumstances to maintain grid stability.

So far in May, the peak demand has stayed well below the 6000 MW mark. On May 7, daily consumption stood at 99.85 mu.

Nevertheless, the storage in the hydel reservoirs of the KSEB has not seen a marked improvement despite the improvement in summer rainfall. On May 7, combined storage stood at 27% of the total capacity, or equivalent to 1101.25 mu. This is the lowest for the day in recent years , show load despatch centre data.

Rainfall deficiency

On the other hand, rainfall deficiency in Kerala has reduced to 26% between March 1 and May 8. On April 22, the deficit had stood at 38% of the normal rainfall expected till then, indicate India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. Despite the reduction in rainfall deficit, only four districts have moved out of the ‘rainfall deficient’ list. Kannur and Kozhikode have recorded ‘excess rainfall while Pathanamthitta and Wayanad are in the ‘normal’ category.

Meanwhile, the KSEB, in a Facebook post, warned the public to be on guard against the possibility of overhead power cables getting snapped in the strengthened rainfall and winds. The IMD has put several Kerala districts on yellow alert indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall till May 12.