Keralam power crisis: Electricity consumption soars in September

While the southwest monsoon has remained weak over power crisis-hit Keralam, electricity consumption has continued to soar in September, touching levels reminiscent of the summer months.

Consumption so far in September has averaged 93.6 million units (mu), which is arguably unprecedented for the southern State which is accustomed to cooler weather and lower State-wide electricity usage during the June-September southwest monsoon season. This is around 10 mu higher per day compared to the first 16 days of September 2025, show data with the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) load dispatch centre.

This year, electricity consumption in September has stayed consistently above the 90 mu-mark on all days barring two Sundays when it dropped to 88.3 mu on September 6 and 89.12 on September 13.

In terms of electricity consumption, Sundays are generally considered lean days as most commercial, industrial and educational establishments tend to remain shut.

The highest consumption this month was recorded on September 11 which recorded a consumption of 96.39 mu. Meanwhile, Keralam is continuing to face heavy supply shortages during the evening hours when the demand is at its height.

According to a Thursday (September 17) morning update from the KSEB, the State experienced a shortage of 900 megawatts (MW) during the peak hours on Wednesday, forcing the utility to continue with Statewide power curbs. Although the KSEB has increased internal hydropower generation, electricity imports from outside the State remain the mainstay. Of the total consumption of 95.82 mu recorded on Wednesday, imports accounted for 71.06 mu. The peak demand stood at 4813 MW at 8.30 p.m.    

So far during the current June-September southwest monsoon season, Keralam has recorded a rainfall deficit of 28% from the normal.

The KSEB has urged the public to shift electricity-guzzling chores such as ironing clothes, charging electric vehicles and using water pumps or washing machines to the day time when consumption is relatively on the lower side.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph had said on Wednesday that the State was exploring various avenues for securing emergency supplies to meet the demand. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had said on Wednesday that the government intended to draw up plans for meeting the higher electricity demand anticipated during the period from October 2026 to June 2027.