Persistent heat and weak monsoon conditions pushed electricity demand sharply higher in Kerala, placing additional pressure on the state power grid and prompting temporary restrictions during the evening peak.
The prolonged dry spell and above-normal temperatures increased the use of fans, air-conditioners and other cooling equipment in households and commercial establishments. At the same time, the availability of electricity through the power exchange remained limited, creating difficulties for the state in meeting the rising demand.
Partial power restrictions were implemented from 6.30 pm on Tuesday until 12.30 am on Wednesday after grid frequency dropped amid inadequate power availability. The Kerala State Electricity Board had already cautioned that restrictions could become necessary if demand continued to rise while electricity purchases from the exchange remained constrained.
The shortage was part of a wider national trend. Electricity consumption increased across the country, while the supply available through power exchanges declined. According to the Grid Controller of India, the country was facing a power availability deficit of nearly 12,000 MW.
An unexpected decline in electricity supplied by central generating stations added to the pressure on Kerala's power system. Officials said the state's peak demand in recent days had been around 800 to 900 MW higher than the levels typically seen during September in previous years.
With rainfall continuing to remain below expectations, officials anticipated that electricity demand could increase further by a similar amount. The weather conditions also reflected the unusual heat across the state.
India Meteorological Department data released on Tuesday evening showed Punalur recording Kerala's highest maximum temperature at 35.2 degrees Celsius, around 3.3 degrees above normal. Kottayam registered 34.6 degrees Celsius, marking the highest departure from normal among the stations monitored, at 3.8 degrees.
Cochin International Airport recorded 34 degrees Celsius, while Thiruvananthapuram city reached 33.6 degrees. Kozhikode recorded 33.5 degrees, with Vellanikkara and Palakkad touching 33.4 degrees. Several other locations, including parts of southern Thiruvananthapuram and northern Kannur, also experienced temperatures above their usual levels.
The combination of persistent heat, inadequate rainfall and restricted power availability has kept pressure on Kerala's electricity system. Although the immediate strain eased after the temporary restrictions, officials remained concerned about another surge in demand as the state entered another day of unusually warm weather.