Thiruvananthapuram, April 15: Kerala is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption. This spike is largely due to extreme heat and a shortage of cooking gas, forcing households and small businesses to rely more on electrical appliances.
On Tuesday evening, the state’s electricity demand peaked at 6,012 megawatts, marking the highest level ever recorded. This surpasses Monday’s figure of 5,933 megawatts. Daily consumption has also soared to a monthly high of 112.52 million units.
Of this total, a significant portion—87.42 million units—was sourced from outside the state, highlighting Kerala’s increasing dependence on external supply. In contrast, local electricity generation, including hydropower, contributed only 25.09 million units.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) finds itself in a dilemma as the demand for electricity continues to rise, leaving them uncertain about the next steps to take.
The sudden increase in electricity demand is not solely attributed to the extreme heat; changes in cooking methods also play a role. Induction cookers are widely used in Kerala, and with the ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders, many households have started using electric stoves.
This trend is evident in roadside eateries and tea stalls, which are common throughout the state. Many of these establishments have temporarily halted the use of cooking gas, opting instead for electric alternatives.
As electricity consumption continues to climb, there are no signs of relief from the heat. On Wednesday, large parts of the state remained under severe heat, prompting a ‘High Temperature Alert’ for 12 districts. In Palakkad, temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius for the second time this season.
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