Despite monsoon shortfall, Keralam’s hydel reservoirs see storage boost
Kerala's hydroelectric reservoir levels have improved to 63% capacity despite a persistent monsoon rainfall deficit. However, the state electricity board remains cautious and is seeking approval for power purchases to avoid future shortages.
Why it matters
Energy security is a critical concern for regional economic stability, especially when climate-dependent power sources face rainfall variability.
Despite a persistent shortfall in rainfall this monsoon season, the storage in the reservoirs of Keralam’s hydroelectric power projects have shown considerable improvement in recent weeks.
The combined storage, as on August 28, stood at 63% of the total capacity, or equivalent to 2,601.34 million units (mu). The storage had stood at just 21% on June 26, or equivalent to 871.26 mu, contributing to an unexpected monsoon-season power crisis and forcing the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to impose power curbs on a limited scale in the subsequent weeks.
The storage in the reservoir of the 780 MW Idukki project, Kerala’s largest, stands at 62% at present. Keralam was largely free of the power crisis in August, courtesy an increase in rainfall and the resultant dip in electricity consumption due to the cooler weather. Daily consumption averaged 84.7 mu in August.
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