Palakkad, Kerala Power Minister K. Krishnankutty said on Saturday that there was no unannounced load shedding in the state, and attributed the recent power outage to temporary overload caused by high consumption.
Explaining the concerns raised from various parts of the country, the minister said that the disturbances are not intentional but occur when demand reaches its peak, especially between 10pm and 11pm.
“This is not being done intentionally. Energy consumption has risen sharply, and when there is excessive and indiscriminate usage, the system comes under excessive pressure, leading to interruption of normal supplies,” he told reporters here.
His comments come amid complaints that many areas are experiencing frequent power outages, often lasting for 15 minutes and occurring several times during the night.
Krishnankutty said the power demand in the state had exceeded 6,195 MW, putting pressure on the supply system. About 70 per cent of Kerala’s electricity is purchased from abroad and the existing arrangements for power banks have been exhausted, he added.
“We have approached the Regulatory Commission to seek permission to purchase more power. However, this will come at a higher cost,” he said.
The minister said that the government is trying to avoid increasing electricity tariffs and urged consumers to exercise restraint in usage to help manage the situation.
Responding to opposition criticism over the ruling LDF’s earlier claims of a decade without power outages, he said the current situation was not unique to Kerala.
He said that the electricity crisis was emerging across the country, and sarcastically asked the opposition to take into account the role of natural factors in it.
Krishnankutty expressed confidence that the situation would improve within a couple of days, while warning that long-term energy security would depend on enhancing power generation within the state.
He also warned that future generations may face serious challenges if adequate electricity production capacity is not developed within Kerala.
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