Kerala Power Regulator Orders KSEB to Inform Public in Advance on Load-Shedding
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to provide advance notice to the public regarding the timings and duration of daily power cuts. The commission criticised the current load restrictions as erratic and unpredictable, causing uncertainty among consumers.
During a public hearing, commission chairman T.K. Jose and member B. Pradeep emphasised the need for a stable and predictable pattern for load restrictions. KSEB representatives assured compliance with the directive.
The commission's instruction comes amid widespread criticism of KSEB's seemingly arbitrary load-shedding schedule, with multiple power cuts occurring unpredictably throughout the day. Mr. Pradeep stated that KSEB can reasonably estimate the next day's electricity demand and plan restrictions accordingly. He highlighted that advance notice would reduce public uncertainty, especially for vulnerable groups such as patients reliant on medical equipment.
In a related development, Kerala will receive an additional 200 megawatts (MW) of power starting Sunday, July 19, 2026, to alleviate the ongoing power crisis. A senior KSEB official informed the commission during the hearing that the power will be procured from NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVNL) and Power Pulse Trading Solutions Ltd at a rate of ₹5.96 per unit for one year. Given the emergency situation, the commission issued formal orders permitting the procurement immediately. The short-term power purchase agreement covers the period until July 14, 2027.
KSEB's proposal was based on an assessment of a persistent base round-the-clock power deficit of approximately 200 MW throughout the year, compounded by weak monsoon rains and low reservoir levels affecting hydroelectric generation. During the hearing, the commission also asked KSEB to explore alternatives to load-shedding and evaluate whether current curbs are financially beneficial or detrimental to the utility.
