Kerala faces the prospect of renewed power restrictions from November 1 as its temporary electricity supply arrangement with Himachal Pradesh expires on October 31, with the state government yet to approve a replacement agreement, The Arabian Post reported.

Source: The Arabian Post

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is seeking urgent clearance to continue purchasing electricity from Himachal Pradesh during peak consumption hours. However, disagreements over pricing, regulatory requirements and financial guarantees have prevented the proposed arrangement from being finalised. KSEB had been drawing the Himachal supply since October 1, which had ended the previous round of power cuts, and the file seeking approval to extend the agreement has remained pending with the administration, The Indian Messenger reported.

Source: The Indian Messenger

600-900 MWEstimated evening power deficit from Nov 1
Rs 14.50/unitPrice offered by Himachal Pradesh
Rs 10/unitOrdinary regulatory ceiling for such purchases
May 2027Period the proposed extension would cover

The state could face an evening power deficit estimated at between 600 MW and 900 MW, depending on demand and available supplies. Officials have not announced a definitive schedule for load shedding, and restrictions would depend on whether additional electricity can be secured. Himachal Pradesh has offered electricity at Rs 14.50 per unit, substantially above the Rs 10 ceiling ordinarily applicable to purchases under the state electricity regulator's framework. KSEB has attempted to negotiate a lower price, reportedly between Rs 12 and Rs 13 per unit, without securing a final agreement, and the Himachal supplier is also seeking financial assurances and regulatory clearance.

Demand has surged while rain fell short

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph informed the Legislative Assembly that inadequate rainfall and the El Niño phenomenon had contributed to the supply difficulties. Unrestricted peak demand increased by 28 per cent year-on-year to 5,338 MW in July and by 26 per cent to 5,639 MW in September. KSEB subsequently secured additional electricity through power exchanges, interstate arrangements and central allocations: the minister told the Assembly that the utility contracted 292 MW through exchanges during September and received another 150 MW from the Centre, with a further 404 MW from central generating stations and Kerala seeking an extension of that assistance until May.

The proposed Himachal extension would maintain supplies until May 2027, covering the months when Kerala traditionally faces pressure on electricity availability — yaani, the decision now pending will decide whether the state's evenings stay lit through the summer season or whether staggered restrictions return.