With the southwest monsoon bringing surplus rainfall since its onset on June 1, Kerala has decided to lift from tomorrow the 30-minute load shedding at night as the storage position in reservoirs of hydroelectric projects has improved significantly.
The load-shedding has been in force for the last several months as the water level in reservoirs depleted drastically due to deficient rainfall last year.
According to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), the decision followed an instruction from the Government to review the situation and lift the curbs in view of the State getting over 40 per cent excess rainfall so far this season.
The KSEB had earlier this week stopped the one-hour day-time power cut.
The energy outlook for the State, which relies heavily on hydro-electric projects, has brightened after a summer hit by a grim power crunch.
The monsoon this season not only set in promptly on June 1 but has also brought 41 per cent excess rainfall since then, according to the MeT Department here.
Last year, the total rainfall received by the State was deficient by 24 per cent during the southwest monsoon and 35 per cent during the northeast monsoon period.
Deficiency in rainfall pushed the State into one of its worst power crisis, forcing the Government to clamp 90 minutes load shedding, half of which was during the peak hours in the evening and consumption curbs on non-domestic consumers.
Since January, the State has been pinning its hopes on good monsoon showers, which is crucial for the State to avoid a power crunch.
While the State as a whole has been getting bountiful rainfall since the onset of the monsoon, what is of greater significance is that Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts have received excess rainfall, replenishing reservoirs in that area.
Power generation from hydroelectric projects accounts for the bulk of the power in KSEB’s grid, with supply from thermal plants and small and micro projects and non-conventional sources contributing just a minor portion of the demand required.