Kerala may face power crisis as monsoon weakens

Water levels in Kerala reservoirs are falling as a result of a weak monsoon, according to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The monsoon which usually hits the state’s shores by June 1, was late by five days this year. 

The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) has put storage levels at 16 of the state’s major reservoirs as on Monday at 12 per cent. 

Half-way into June that signals the onset of the south-west monsoon in Kerala, the level at Idukki that has the state’s biggest hydel project stood at 2308.3 feet, about eight feet less than the level recorded on June 1. The storage at Idukki is at 16 per cent of its total capacity. 

The 16 reservoirs had recorded a 15 per cent storage level on June 1.

Kuttiadi recorded a 20 per cent storage level on Monday and Idamalayar stood at 14 per cent while levels at Pamba and Sholayar were at a low seven and two per cent respectively. 

Falling storage levels and further weakening of the monsoon could affect power generation in the state, with KSEB already enforcing a 45 minute power shut down.

State power minister Aryadan Mohammed has said that the withdrawal of the shut down by end of June would entirely depend on better rains throughout the month. 

Idukki, the station critical to KSEB’s plans to battle the looming power crises, did not have substantial rains in the last five days. South-West monsoon hit the states on June 6, a day after its forecasted arrival.

Meanwhile, the monsoon showed signs of getting stronger in the northern parts of the state after a three-day break. 

Kudlu and Hosdurg in Kasaragod district recorded the day’s best rainfall of the state at 11 cm and 9 cm respectively. 

Kannur also recorded heavy rains at 8 cm while parts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Palakkad and Thrissur districts recorded moderate rainfall. 

All the six stations in Idukki district recorded rainfall in traces.