Kerala Power Crisis: The state may also face a deficit in the coming months

According to a report released in June, Kerala is among the states and Union Territories (UTs) expected to face demand-supply gaps of varying degrees in both peak and power availability. (file image)

Kerala, which is facing an unexpected power crisis in July, is likely to face challenges in the coming months with both peak power demand and power requirements, according to the Load Generation Balancing Report (LGBR) 2026-27 released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

In the run-up to summer, the southern state can expect gaps in peak demand and availability from August to October this year and January to March 2027, according to LGBR projections. The report also indicates shortfalls in monthly energy demand and availability from September 2026 to March 2027.

According to the report, Kerala’s annual power requirement is projected at 33,641 million units (mu) in the current fiscal with a deficit of 747 million in availability. Peak demand in 2026-27 is expected to reach 5,821 megawatts (MW) with a deficit of 177 MW in availability. According to a report released in June, Kerala is among the states and Union Territories (UTs) expected to face demand-supply gaps of varying degrees in both peak and power availability.

The LGBR outlines the expected power supply position of the country and the states and UTs for a given year.

A realistic estimate of electricity availability in terms of both MU and MW capacity from various sources is taken into account to arrive at the projections of Kerala’s monthly power requirement in terms of both power and peak consumption. The availability is calculated based on the capacity available to the state from power generation units across the country and the projected water storage in the reservoirs of the hydroelectric projects.

Power curbs in place

Kerala, whose internal generation accounts for only 30% of demand, currently has electric curbs in the evening to meet the gap between peak power demand and availability.

The state government blames the situation on a combination of factors, including an increase in demand for electricity, low water storage in reservoirs for hydroelectric generation due to poor rainfall and increased nationwide demand for electricity due to high temperatures associated with El Nino.

Combined storage in Kerala’s hydel reservoirs reached 29% of capacity (1,216.13 mu equivalent) on July 23, the lowest for a day in recent years. Of the daily consumption of 89.72 million recorded on July 23, import of electricity represented 89.7 million and own production 9.96 million.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has received approval from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) to purchase 200 MW continuously to meet the deficit till July 2027.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 12:11 IST