Kerala’s rainfall deficit has reduced to 26% between March 1 and May 8. Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Kerala’s power sector has seen a noticeable drop in electricity consumption with intensified summer rains bringing cooler weather. Daily consumption fell by 10 million units (mu) or more compared to many days in April.
On several days in May, consumption also fell below the 100-mile mark, much to the relief of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). It may be recalled that at the peak of summer heat in April, consumption spiraled to 118.26 mu (on April 26), while demand after 6 pm shot up to 6033 megawatts (MW) on April 18, both all-time highs for Kerala.
“Load limit”
KSEB attributed the surge in use of air conditioners, electric car charging and shift to electronic cooking in the face of LPG shortage. The situation worsened in April to such an extent that KSEB decided to implement a sub-30 minute “load curtailment” between 6pm and midnight in order to maintain grid stability.
So far in May, maximum demand has remained well below the 6,000 MW mark. On May 7, the daily consumption was 99.85 mu.
However, storage in KSEB reservoirs has not seen significant improvement despite improvement in summer rainfall. On May 7, combined storage was 27% of total capacity, equivalent to 1101.25 mu. This is the lowest for a day in recent years, view data from cargo dispatch.
Lack of precipitation
On the other hand, the rainfall deficiency in Kerala between March 1 and May 8 has reduced to 26%. On April 22, the deficit was 38% of the normal rainfall expected till then, India Meteorological Department (IMD) data indicated. Despite the reduction in rainfall deficit, only four districts have moved out of the ‘rainfall deficit’ list. Kannur and Kozhikode recorded “excess rainfall, while Pathanamthitta and Wayanad are in the “normal” category.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, KSEB warned the public to be aware of the possibility of overhead power cables snapping during heavier rain and wind. The IMD has declared several districts of Kerala on yellow alert, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall till the 12th.
Published – 08 May 2026 20:44 IST
