Kerala has witnessed consecutive days of record-breaking electricity consumption and peak demand, with the state-run electricity board taking measures to avoid load-shedding.
On Saturday, the daily power consumption reached 117.15 million units, while the peak demand stood at 6033 megawatts, the highest figures in the state's history.
The figures are significant, given the ongoing heatwave conditions and a deficiency in seasonal rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department, Kerala has recorded 59 mm rainfall against a normal of 95.6 mm between March 1 and April 19, a deficiency of 38%.
The heatwave conditions are expected to continue until the first week of May, with residents relying on coolers and air-conditioners, especially in the late evening and night hours.
State electricity minister K Krishnankutty has announced that the government and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) are undertaking emergency measures to buy power from suppliers in other states and avoid load-shedding.
The minister has urged the public to minimize the use of high-voltage appliances and lights between 6 pm and 11 pm to control power consumption.
