Kerala Approves Limited Power Cuts During Evening Peak Hours as Consumption Hits All-Time Record

Thiruvananthapuram: A high-level meeting chaired by Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar IAS has authorised the State Load Despatch Centre Chief Engineer to impose power cuts of under 30 minutes between 6 pm and midnight during periods of extreme demand pressure, to protect grid stability. KSEB Chairman Minhaj Alam IAS and senior officials attended the meeting.

Kerala's daily power consumption reached an all-time record of 118.26 million units on April 27, with peak evening demand hitting 6,033 MW — also a historic high. On the night of April 23, demand briefly spiked to 6,195 MW for one minute at 10.30 pm. The meeting noted that this year's growth in electricity demand far exceeds the average annual increase seen in previous years.

The sudden surge has been attributed to three converging factors: widespread use of air conditioners, electric vehicle charging in the evening hours, and a sharp rise in induction cooking due to a cooking gas shortage caused by disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict. The meeting observed that extreme demand spikes occur mainly between 9.30 pm and midnight, and expressed confidence that the crisis could be managed through responsible energy use if the public cooperates.

The situation has been compounded by reduced power availability in the national market due to the heat wave gripping the country. Kerala already imports over 70 per cent of its electricity needs, making it particularly vulnerable to national supply constraints. A 200 MW shortfall from central generating stations is expected to be resolved by this evening (April 28).

Public Advisory

The meeting urged the public to avoid EV charging between 6 pm and midnight and shift it to daytime; set AC temperature between 24°C and 26°C at night; avoid using induction cookers, electric heaters, irons, washing machines, and pump sets during peak hours; and switch off non-essential lights. The Energy Management Centre has been tasked with issuing detailed public guidance on responsible energy use.

The situation will be assessed daily by a team of senior officials, with power restrictions imposed only when grid stability is genuinely at risk.