Kochi, 30 June (H.S.):Kerala is staring at the possibility of a worsening power supply situation after water storage in the state's major hydroelectric reservoirs fell to critically low levels despite the onset of the southwest monsoon a month ago, raising concerns over electricity generation in the months ahead.
According to the latest figures, the water level in the reservoirs that feed Kerala's key hydropower stations has dropped below 25 per cent of their storage capacity. The Idukki reservoir, the state's largest source of hydroelectric power, is currently at just 23.19 per cent of its storage capacity. The Kakki-Anathode and Kochu Pamba reservoirs, which are part of the Sabarigiri Hydroelectric Project in Pathanamthitta district, are at only 21.79 per cent capacity.
The situation marks a sharp decline from the same period last year, when the average storage across Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reservoirs stood at 52.4 per cent.
Officials attribute the poor reservoir levels to a weak southwest monsoon. Kerala has received around 34 per cent less rainfall than the seasonal average during the first month of the monsoon. Meteorologists point out that years influenced by the El Niño phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean often witness weaker monsoon winds, resulting in below-normal rainfall.
Although several parts of Kerala have experienced intermittent showers this season, much of the rainfall has been concentrated along the coastal belt and midland regions. The state's major hydroelectric reservoirs are located in the hilly catchment areas, where rainfall has remained significantly below normal, limiting inflows into the dams.
With hydroelectric generation expected to remain under pressure, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has granted KSEB permission to procure electricity from external sources at higher prices to bridge the anticipated supply gap.
Under the Commission's order, KSEB has been authorised to purchase expensive power from July through December, except during September. The Commission observed that there has been widespread public criticism over unannounced load shedding reported in several parts of the state and directed KSEB to inform consumers at least one hour in advance of any scheduled power interruptions.
The regulatory body also advised KSEB to minimise costly power purchases if monsoon conditions improve in the coming weeks and reservoir inflows increase.
The order further noted that Kerala has recorded a significant rise in both daily electricity consumption and peak power demand this June compared to the corresponding period in previous years, adding further pressure to the state's already strained power system.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman