Thiruvananthapuram, 18 July (H.S.):Football fans across Kerala can expect uninterrupted electricity during the FIFA World Cup final, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) confirming that no power restrictions will be imposed anywhere in the state on Sunday.
KSEB Chairman and Managing Director Dr. M.G. Rajamanikyam said the utility has arranged additional power purchases to meet the anticipated surge in electricity demand during the high-profile sporting event. The decision comes after several days of scheduled power management across Kerala, which had triggered widespread criticism from consumers, particularly as the World Cup entered its final stages.
The assurance is expected to bring relief to lakhs of football enthusiasts who had expressed concern over the possibility of power cuts disrupting their viewing of the championship match. Kerala is widely regarded as one of India's most football-loving states, and major international tournaments traditionally witness a sharp rise in electricity consumption, especially during late-night broadcasts.
Dr. Rajamanikyam said the present power shortage was not the result of any operational failure or mismanagement by KSEB. Instead, he attributed the situation to a nationwide increase in electricity demand following a decline in rainfall across several states.
According to him, reduced rainfall has led to higher temperatures and increased electricity consumption, while at the same time limiting the availability of surplus power in the real-time electricity market. As a result, power utilities across the country have found it difficult to procure additional electricity at short notice.
To avoid disruptions on the day of the World Cup final, KSEB has secured additional power from external sources, ensuring that demand can be fully met without resorting to load management.
The announcement comes amid growing public criticism over the recent power restrictions imposed in Kerala. By guaranteeing uninterrupted electricity on one of the biggest sporting nights of the year, KSEB hopes to ensure that households across the state can watch the World Cup final without interruption while continuing efforts to manage the broader power supply challenges.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman