Despite monsoon shortfall, Keralam’s hydel reservoirs see storage boost

Despite a persistent rainfall shortfall in this monsoon season, the storage in the reservoirs of Kerala's hydroelectric power projects has shown a notable increase in recent weeks. On August 28, the combined storage reached 63% of the total capacity, equivalent to 2,601.34 million units (mu). This marked a significant improvement from June 26, when storage had only reached 21% or 871.26 mu, leading to a temporary power crisis. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had to implement limited power curbs during this period.

The Idukki project, Kerala's largest, currently has a storage level of 62%. The state experienced relatively fewer power curbs in August compared to previous months, thanks to increased rainfall and a cooler weather pattern that reduced electricity consumption. On average, daily consumption decreased to 84.7 mu in August. The KSEB had to enter into several short-term power purchase agreements to avoid a power crisis during this time.

However, Kerala is still running a deficit in terms of this year's southwest monsoon rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Rainfall has been 21% below average from June 1 to August 28. While the reservoir storage is still lower compared to the same period in previous years, it is higher than in 2023. The KSEB states that the state is not yet out of the woods regarding an electricity shortage.

On September 3, the State Electricity Regulatory Commission is scheduled to consider a petition filed by the KSEB requesting approval for power purchases at a higher per-unit cost to meet a projected power availability shortfall from September 1, 2025, to May 15, 2027. The petition notes that the projected deficit is expected to increase significantly during the summer months of 2027, necessitating timely procurement of additional power to maintain uninterrupted supply and avoid load restrictions in the state.