Keralam power crisis: Regulatory panel urges KSEB to fast-track battery energy storage projects
Indications are that all the five large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) planned across the State are likely to be in place only toward the end of 2026
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) faces a critical power crisis as it struggles to meet increasing electricity demand during monsoon season. Plans for five large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the state have been delayed, with only two projects set to be operational by the end of 2026. The KSEB, which had originally planned to complete all projects by October 2026, now faces scrutiny from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) for the delays.
The BESS projects are crucial for storing surplus power generated during the day, particularly solar power, to ensure reliable evening supply. However, the current BESS capacity is insufficient to alleviate the peak evening demand. The commission has directed KSEB to limit its internal hydropower generation to the minimum and shift it to evening hours to meet the peak demand.
The utility has already imposed power curbs to address the shortage, leading to public frustration over unscheduled outages. The monsoon season has been particularly weak, with water storage in hydel reservoirs at 62% of capacity.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
