Families across Kerala are facing increasing difficulties because of power shortages and restrictions during the evening and night hours. For many households, daily routines now depend on when electricity is available, with people having to plan cooking, studying, working and other activities around possible power cuts.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has been imposing power restrictions during peak-demand hours, generally between the evening and midnight. In recent days, restrictions have at times been extended beyond midnight. KSEB has said the measures are needed because electricity demand has increased while the availability of power from the national grid and power exchanges has fallen.
The shortage has become more serious as electricity consumption has risen during the evening. KSEB reported that Kerala’s peak-hour demand has been significantly higher than during the same period in previous years. On one recent day, demand crossed 5,200 MW, while available power during peak hours was around 4,200 MW, creating a large gap between demand and supply.
The situation has also been affected by lower rainfall and relatively high temperatures. The reduced availability of electricity from outside the state has added further pressure on Kerala’s power system. KSEB has said that a wider shortage in the national power system has also affected its ability to purchase additional electricity through the power exchange.
For households, these restrictions can make evenings particularly difficult. Students may struggle to study, people working from home can face interruptions, and families may have to change their cooking and other household schedules. Homes with elderly people, infants or people who depend on electrical equipment can face additional difficulties.
Small businesses are also feeling the impact. Shops, workshops, restaurants and other establishments depend on reliable electricity to operate equipment, serve customers and complete daily work. Unexpected interruptions can reduce working hours and affect productivity and income.
KSEB has been using partial load-shedding and other measures to manage the shortage and protect the stability of the electricity grid. In some cases, restrictions have lasted for 15 to 25 minutes at a time, while different areas can experience interruptions at different times during the peak period.
The continuing power shortage has also led to public concern and criticism, with residents and political groups questioning the handling of the crisis. At the same time, KSEB has been trying to secure additional electricity and manage the available supply during periods of particularly high demand.
The crisis highlights the importance of having sufficient power available during peak hours. As Kerala continues to experience high demand and limited supply, families and businesses are being forced to adjust their daily routines while authorities work to reduce the gap between electricity demand and availability.