No unannounced load shedding in Kerala; outages blamed on overload, says Minister

Krishnankutty expressed confidence that the situation would improve within two days and cautioned that long-term energy security would depend on enhancing in-state power generation. He warned that future generations could face serious challenges if adequate electricity production capacity is not developed within Kerala.

In response to opposition criticism about the ruling LDF's decade-long claim of no power cuts, he said the current situation is not unique to Kerala and that a power crisis is emerging across the country. He urged the Opposition to consider the role of natural factors.

Krishnankutty said the government is trying to avoid increasing electricity tariffs and urged consumers to exercise restraint in usage to help manage the situation.

The minister said the government has approached the Regulatory Commission seeking permission to purchase more power, but this would come at a higher cost.

Krishnankutty said the state's power demand has crossed 6,195 MW, putting pressure on the supply system. He noted that around 70 per cent of Kerala's electricity is procured from outside, and existing power banking arrangements have been exhausted.

The minister's remarks followed complaints that several areas have witnessed frequent power cuts, often lasting around 15 minutes and occurring multiple times during the night.

Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty told reporters there was no unannounced load shedding in the state and attributed recent power interruptions to temporary overload caused by high consumption. He said disruptions are not deliberate but occur when demand peaks, particularly between 10 pm and 11 pm.