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Undeclared power cuts trigger protests across Kerala
Protests erupted across Kerala after undeclared power outages, with crowds picketing KSEB offices from late night into early morning. Demonstrations occurred in multiple districts as authorities warned of short-term curtailments to maintain grid stability amid rising demand.
Why It Matters
The events highlight strain on Kerala's power grid amid extreme heat and rising consumption, prompting policy and operational responses from the state and regulatory bodies.
Timeline
9 Events
Opposition UDF criticises ruling LDF over power-cut claims
April 29, 2026
Amid the situation, the Opposition UDF criticised the ruling LDF over its earlier claim of a decade without power cuts, citing the recent outages reported from various parts of the state.
Regulatory Commission allows extra power procurement
April 29, 2026
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission allowed KSEB to procure 250 MW of additional power daily till May 15 to meet the growing demand.
Heat-driven demand cited by Electricity Minister
April 29, 2026
Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty said the ongoing power crunch was triggered by extreme heat and increased use of induction cookers and air conditioners.
KSEB considers short-duration power curtailments
April 29, 2026
KSEB announced that it may impose short-duration power curtailments of up to 30 minutes between 6 pm and midnight to maintain grid stability amid surging demand due to extreme heat; the State Load Despatch Centre chief engineer is authorized to enforce restrictions, with a daily review planned.
Officials cite feeder-line fault during protests
April 29, 2026
Officials informed protesters that the disruption in power supply was due to a fault in a major feeder line, though protesters continued the demonstration.
Malappuram: Youth Congress protest at Pandikkad KSEB office
April 28, 2026
The KSEB office in Pandikkad, Malappuram, saw a protest by Youth Congress activists last night.
Nadapuram: Candlelight protest at the substation
April 28, 2026
Activists held a candlelight protest at the Nadapuram substation.
Kozhikode: Youth League demonstration at Panniyankara KSEB office
April 28, 2026
Youth League workers staged a demonstration at the Panniyankara KSEB office in the small hours over power outages.
Thrissur: Protest at Kundannur division office, Erumapetty
April 28, 2026
A large crowd marched to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Kundannur division office at Erumapetty on Tuesday midnight after prolonged outages; the protest continued till early Wednesday as participants lay down inside and outside the office to demand a resolution.