2 hrs ago

Keralam Heat, Reduced Rainfall Push Electricity Demand to Summer Levels

Kerala experienced unusually hot weather on Monday.

Punalur was the hottest place, reaching 36.5°C.

Several other places were also more than three degrees hotter than usual.

There was less rain than expected, which added to the heat.

People used more electricity, likely for cooling and other needs.

Electricity demand reached levels usually seen in summer.

Power availability was also reduced because supplies from outside Kerala were limited.

Some parts of Thiruvananthapuram therefore faced a 20-minute power restriction.

Key facts

Highest temperature: Punalur recorded 36.5°C, which was 4.6°C above normal.
Other high reading: Kottayam recorded 35.0°C, 4.1°C above normal.
Electricity demand: Peak demand was about 1,100 MW higher than demand during September in previous years.
National power shortage: The KSEB reported a 12,000-MW shortage at the national level that had not been fully resolved.
Missed power supply: Kerala could not receive 200 MW from Madhya Pradesh under a swap arrangement.
Additional power arranged: The KSEB arranged an additional 90 MW.
Restriction: A 20-minute power restriction was imposed in some parts of Thiruvananthapuram.

theprint.in · 2 hrs ago