Kerala is currently experiencing what experts describe as its worst power crisis in a decade as of late April 2026. The situation has been described by some officials as a “multi-layered crisis” driven
by record-breaking summer heat and supply deficits. What is the cause? What steps are being taken to correct the situation? News18 explains.
‘War must end’: What the minister said
Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Monday attributed the ongoing power crisis in the state to an increase in electricity consumption triggered by LPG scarcity amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
He also expressed hope that rainfall would help ease the situation.
The minister said the shortage of cooking gas has led to increased reliance on induction cookers, significantly pushing up power usage across the state.
“The war must end and rain should arrive. That is the expectation,” the minister told the media here, adding that even a single day of substantial rainfall could bring considerable relief.
The record high
On April 17, Kerala’s daily electricity consumption touched 116.11 million units, the highest recorded so far this month, while peak power demand reached an all-time high of 6,013 MW, according to official figures.
Extreme weather and demand spikes
The Oppressive summer heat has significantly increased the use of power-hungry appliances like air conditioners and coolers. While solar power supports daytime needs, demand surges at night—peaking between 10 PM and 11 PM—when households switch on cooling units, putting immense pressure on the grid.
What is being done?
Krishnankutty said permission has been granted by the Regulatory Commission to procure additional electricity from outside the state as a temporary measure to manage the crisis. He, however, said it was too early to say whether power tariffs would be increased, while maintaining that there would be no load shedding.
The minister also noted that efforts were being made to avoid a hike in electricity charges, even if it means a reduction in profit margins.
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission had allowed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to purchase 250 MW of power daily till May 15 after the utility sought approval to meet the growing demand.
What are the administrative and financial hurdles?
Officials at the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) were reportedly hesitant to make “risky” high-cost power purchases from external markets without prior approval from the regulatory commission, according to earlier reports.
Prices in the short-term power exchange can reach as high as ₹12 per unit, making it financially difficult for KSEB to bridge the gap.
KSEB is hindered by roughly ₹3,500 crores in pending payments from various government institutions, including over ₹3,000 crores owed by the Water Authority.
What are the infrastructure and supply challenges?
The extreme load has caused hundreds of transformers to blow out or fuses to burn. KSEB is currently in the process of procuring 2,500 new transformers to upgrade the system.
Kerala’s power base relies heavily on hydroelectric projects (over 70% of installed capacity). Scanty rainfall in previous seasons has depleted reservoir levels, reducing local generation capacity.
Shortages in coal-fired plants across North India have sometimes led to a reduction in the power Kerala receives from the Central Pool.
Current impact
To prevent a total grid collapse, KSEB has occasionally resorted to unannounced power cuts and load restrictions of up to 30 minutes in various areas.
The government has urged citizens to avoid using high-power appliances like pump sets and washing machines during peak hours (6 PM to 11 PM).
Political reactions
Congress leaders on Monday targeted the LDF government, alleging unannounced power cuts in Kerala amid a severe electricity shortage. The attack comes after the LDF had campaigned during the Assembly election that it had completely ended power cuts in the state. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said that while the electricity minister claims there is no load-shedding in Kerala, power outages are occurring daily.
KEY FAQs
Why is Kerala facing a power crisis?
Rising temperatures have sharply increased electricity demand, overloading infrastructure and causing transformer failures across Kerala.
Why are transformers burning out?
Excess load during peak hours leads to overheating, especially when aging equipment struggles to handle the surge in demand.
What is being done to manage it?
Authorities like the Kerala State Electricity Board are enforcing load shedding, repairing equipment, and urging consumers to conserve power.
With PTI, ANI inputs
