Published Jun 17, 2026 | 7:07 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 17, 2026 | 7:16 PM
A nationwide power crunch triggered by El Niño has significantly reduced electricity availability across the country, KSEB says. (iStock)
Synopsis: At a time when daily consumption has risen by nearly 10 million units, Kerala is grappling with a power battle raging on multiple fronts.
Kerala is dealing with a power crisis with roots stretching far beyond its borders—to the warming waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The state-run power utility Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) says that the impact of the Pacific Ocean’s intensifying El Niño phenomenon is now being felt in Kerala’s power sector, with the state facing a severe electricity shortage that could lead to limited power restrictions during peak evening hours until June 30.
According to the KSEB, a nationwide power crunch triggered by El Niño has significantly reduced electricity availability across the country.
The situation has been aggravated by Kerala’s obligation to return power borrowed from other states during March and April, as per prior agreements, beginning June 16.
KSEB stated that its efforts to secure additional electricity through short-term and medium-term arrangements were unsuccessful amid the prevailing national shortage.
The power utility also stated that though the Southwest monsoon reached Kerala on June 1, rainfall has remained inadequate and temperatures have stayed unusually high, pushing up electricity consumption.
While the state had projected a peak demand of around 4,100 MW, demand is now expected to touch 4,900 MW.
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Daily electricity consumption has also risen by nearly 10 million units.
Kerala currently has access to around 1,700 MW from domestic generation, 1,701 MW from central generating stations and 612 MW through long-term power purchase agreements.
Despite this, the state faces a deficit of nearly 900 MW between June 16 and June 30.
The situation has worsened as electricity availability in power exchanges has reportedly dropped to just five per cent.
A brief power restriction was imposed in certain areas between 9 pm and midnight on June 16 as a precautionary measure.
The crisis prompted an emergency meeting chaired by Power Minister Sunny Joseph, attended by senior officials including Power Secretary and KSEB Chairman Dr MG Rajamanikyam.
The minister directed KSEB to procure the maximum possible power through daily contracts.
The meeting also authorised the utility to impose necessary restrictions if required to safeguard grid stability in the event of an uncontrollable power shortfall.
In view of the acute shortage, KSEB has warned that limited power restrictions may be necessary between 6 pm and midnight across parts of the state until June 30.
Officials have urged consumers to minimise electricity use during peak hours.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
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