Keralam facing power cuts due to rising temperatures, increase in electricity usage: Minister
Kerala is experiencing power cuts due to a combination of high temperatures, increased electricity demand, and reduced hydel power generation caused by a weak monsoon. The state is also facing supply constraints from northern India and must repay borrowed power, exacerbating the crisis.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the vulnerability of regional power grids to climate-driven weather patterns and the challenges of maintaining energy security during extreme heat events.
Keralam Minister Sunny Joseph on Tuesday said that rising temperatures, resultant increase in power consumption and reduction in availability of electricity were the reasons for the power cuts in the State.
Mr. Joseph, the State Minister for Electricity, told reporters that temperatures were high across India, not just Keralam, and it was resulting in an increase in power consumption.
At the same time, due to a weak monsoon, the water level in the State’s hydel power dams was low, leading to reduction in power generation.
There is also less power available for purchase from north Indian States due to shortage in coal for electricity generation in thermal power plants, he contended.
“In addition to this, the state has to return 500MW electricity per day that it had borrowed in March-April this year. All this is creating the current power crisis,” he said.
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