Sources warn current storage levels may not be enough to meet demand by end of May if record consumption continues | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
As Kerala faces intense election activity and record high power consumption, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has ramped up generation at Moolamattom and other hydel power plants to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Meanwhile, dam storage levels fell to 44% as on Saturday. According to KSEB dam safety officials, the water level in the Idukki reservoir is 2,347.46 ft compared to 2,352.84 ft on the same day last year.
KSEB data indicates that the current storage across all dams is sufficient to generate 1,821.7 MU of power. Officials noted that the “water year” is counted from June 1 to November 30, meaning there are 63 days until the start of the next water year.
As energy demand has increased, production at large dams has also increased. Total hydel generation on Friday was 27.33 MU. Moolamattom Power Station produced 10,655 MU on Friday and 12.5 MU on Thursday. “The generation at Moolamattom and other hydel dams is determined by the State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC) based on the peak daily demand,” the official said.
According to sources, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) campaigned on the claim that there has been no power cut or load shedding in the state in the last ten years. “With polls around the corner, the KSEB has been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state during the election period without considering water storage or financial losses. The government fears that power outages during the election period could be costly for the LDF,” a source said.
However, sources warn that if record consumption continues, current storage levels may not be enough to cover demand until the end of May. Despite this, officials are still hoping for a repeat of last year’s weather. “Last year, the summer rains provided a large inflow, which helped us overcome the shortage. The stock in major dams was at 28% on May 24, 2025, but it increased to 42% by May 31 – a 14% increase in just seven days. We expect a similar situation this year,” the KSEB source added.
Stock levels in other key dams as of Saturday were: Pamba (41%), Sholayar (51%), Idamalayar (39%), Kundala (96%), Mattupetty (46%), Kuttiady (54%), Thariyode (33%), Anayirankal (100%), Ponmudi and galaming (48%), 59%), Pereakuria (59%) Lower Periyar (76%).
Published – 28 March 2026 19:45 IST
