Kerala's hydel reservoirs recover to 63% capacity despite monsoon shortfall

Kerala's hydroelectric reservoirs have staged a notable recovery in recent weeks, with combined storage reaching 63% of total capacity by August 28. This translates to 2,601.34 million units (mu) of stored energy, a sharp improvement from the 21% (871.26 mu) recorded on June 26.

The earlier low storage levels had triggered an unexpected power crisis during the monsoon season, prompting the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to impose limited power curbs. However, increased rainfall in August and cooler weather, which reduced electricity demand, have helped the state largely avoid such restrictions this month. Average daily consumption in August stood at 84.7 mu.

The 780 MW Idukki project, the state's largest hydroelectric facility, currently holds 62% of its capacity. To manage the earlier shortfall, KSEB had arranged short-term power purchases with regulatory approval.

Despite the storage improvement, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a 21% rainfall deficit for the southwest monsoon period from June 1 to August 28. Storage levels also remain below those of the same period in 2022, 2024, and 2025, though they are higher than in 2023.

KSEB cautions that the state is not yet out of the woods. On September 3, the State Electricity Regulatory Commission will consider a KSEB petition seeking approval for costlier power purchases to address a projected shortfall from September 1, 2026, to May 15, 2027. The petition warns that the deficit is expected to grow substantially during the summer of 2027, necessitating timely procurement to avoid load restrictions.