Lack of rains, low water levels in dams resulting in power cuts in Kerala: Minister
Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph on Thursday said rising power cuts in the state were being caused by weak rainfall, low water levels in dams
Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph on Thursday said rising power cuts in the state were being caused by weak rainfall, low water levels in dams and a rise in demand because of higher temperatures. He said the issue was not limited to Kerala and was being seen across India. Joseph also said the state had to return the power it borrowed in March and April this year, and that central restrictions linked to consumption were adding to the problem. He said the power cuts were likely to continue for now as the government worked on solutions.
Read Full Story Speaking to a TV channel, the minister said lower water levels in dams were affecting power generation at a time when demand had gone up. He said some of the restrictions were beyond Kerala's control because of limits imposed by the Centre based on the state's consumption. Among the steps being explored, Joseph said the government was looking at setting up battery storage units to store solar power generated during the day. He said such units were being planned at six places in the state and that steps were being taken to speed up the process, though he added that the installations would take time.
On the proposed Cheemeni nuclear power station in Kasaragod, the minister said it could be considered after discussions with all stakeholders, as implementing it safely would be highly beneficial for the state. “It requires a lot of studies and a joint stand by everyone,” he added. Joseph also rejected reports and allegations that power cuts had increased under the new government, saying there were hardly any such restrictions when the LDF was in power over the last 10 years. He claimed there were power cuts in April and May this year before the new government took charge, and that they stopped when it rained.
In sum, the minister said Kerala's current power cuts were being driven by lower generation, higher demand, borrowed power that must be returned and central restrictions, while the government pursued measures such as battery storage and examined longer-term options. Ends
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