Kerala Faces Prolonged Power Crisis as Demand Surpasses 5,000 MW

Kerala is grappling with a deepening electricity crisis that has stretched into its second week of nightly power restrictions. Peak demand in the state crossed 5,000 MW this September, an unusually high threshold driven by rising electric vehicle usage and increased air conditioner adoption. A below-normal monsoon has simultaneously weakened hydropower generation, compounding the supply shortfall. In response, the state government has signaled its willingness to procure electricity at nearly any market price to bridge the gap. The situation highlights how changing consumption patterns and erratic rainfall are straining Kerala's power infrastructure.