📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vinayaraj
Business
Kerala power crisis deepens amid weak monsoon, rising demand and cancelled agreements
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 18 Sep 2026, 06:32 AM
👁 9
A severe power shortage in Kerala is being driven by below‑average monsoon rains, a surge in electricity demand and the cancellation of key power purchase agreements, officials say.
Kerala's electricity grid is under strain as the state records below‑average rainfall this monsoon season, reducing hydro‑electric generation.
At the same time, residential and commercial consumption has risen sharply, pushing demand beyond projected levels.
The situation was aggravated by the recent cancellation of several power purchase agreements with private generators, leaving a shortfall in expected supply.
State officials warned that load‑shedding could become more frequent if additional power is not secured, and have urged industries to conserve energy while exploring emergency imports.
The government is reviewing options such as tapping central reserves and accelerating renewable projects to stabilise the grid.
At the same time, residential and commercial consumption has risen sharply, pushing demand beyond projected levels.
The situation was aggravated by the recent cancellation of several power purchase agreements with private generators, leaving a shortfall in expected supply.
State officials warned that load‑shedding could become more frequent if additional power is not secured, and have urged industries to conserve energy while exploring emergency imports.
The government is reviewing options such as tapping central reserves and accelerating renewable projects to stabilise the grid.