Kerala is grappling with a deepening power crisis, and the state’s Electricity Minister, Sunny Joseph, admits it’s hard to say how long the shortages will last. A cruel mix of weak rains and soaring demand has pushed the power grid to its limits.

Key facts

  • Demand has surged by over 1,000 MW compared to last year
  • Government seeking approval to buy power at higher rates if needed
  • KSEB members may travel to other states to find surplus power
  • Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has approved the plan

What’s Driving the Shortage?

Reduced availability of power, amid scanty rainfall and a sharp increase in consumption, has created a perfect storm. “Demand has increased by more than 1,000 MW compared to last year, but generation has not increased correspondingly,” Joseph explained. The supply-demand imbalance isn’t just local—it’s driving up prices across the power market, making outside purchases more urgent, and more expensive.

Government’s Response and Next Steps

The state is moving fast. Joseph said steps would be taken to get necessary approval from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission to procure power at higher rates, if needed. He also revealed that KSEB board members might soon travel to other states to hunt for surplus power—a move Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has already endorsed.

“If we understand that the availability of electricity is limited and use it carefully, it can make a difference.”

That call for conservation wasn’t just advice—it felt like a plea. Joseph made it clear this crisis has underscored the need for a new electricity policy, one that focuses on boosting generation and regulating consumption.

Outages and Accountability

On the ground, frustration is mounting over unscheduled blackouts. Joseph acknowledged complaints and said the government has instructed officials to warn people ahead of planned restrictions. But sometimes, he noted, the Regional Load Despatch Centre in Bengaluru orders feeders switched off without notice to protect grid stability—those cuts can’t be helped.

He pushed back against critics blaming the current UDF government, arguing the roots of the crisis are complex. He even pointed to a cancelled long-term power purchase agreement signed under former Electricity Minister Aryadan Mohammed as a contributing factor.