Hydel storage improves, but rainfall plays havoc with power supply network
Heavy monsoon rainfall in Kerala has increased water levels in hydroelectric reservoirs, providing a boost to power generation capacity. However, the storms caused significant damage to the state's electrical distribution network, resulting in millions of rupees in losses and power outages for thousands of consumers.
Why it matters
This highlights the dual impact of extreme weather on infrastructure, where improved resource availability is offset by physical damage to distribution systems.
While the last week’s heavy rainfall in Kerala has improved water storage in the reservoirs of the hydroelectric power projects, the rain havoc spelt heavy losses for the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) in terms of the damages to the power distribution network.
After a preliminary assessment, the KSEB has pegged the losses so far at ₹25.43 crore. Altogether, supply to 6,56,770 consumers were hit on account of the storms and the consequent damage to electrical installations.
The KSEB was yet to restore supply to 63,676 consumers as of Monday evening. Supply issues largely hit consumers in Pathanamthitta and Kannur districts, the KSEB said. Across the State, 2,892 distribution transformers, 2,599 low-tension electric posts and 349 high-tension posts were damaged in rain-related incidents.
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