Kerala power board seeks emergency supply bids amid seasonal demand surge

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has invited bids from power generators and suppliers to secure supplementary electricity supplies for a three-month period beginning October, officials said. The tender seeks procurement of 300 MW to 800 MW of power, depending on actual demand requirements during the quarter.

The board's move reflects concerns over meeting peak power consumption during the October-December period, when electricity usage typically rises across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. By floating the competitive tender, KSEB aims to ensure sufficient power availability while optimizing procurement costs through market-based pricing mechanisms.

The quantum of power to be procured will be finalized based on demand forecasts and available generation capacity from existing sources, including hydroelectric facilities and conventional thermal plants. The tender process allows KSEB flexibility to adjust supply quantities based on real-time grid requirements and seasonal variations in demand patterns.

This is not the first instance of Kerala resorting to emergency power procurement during high-demand seasons. The state has faced periodic power shortages in recent years, prompting authorities to augment supplies through short-term power purchase agreements and tenders aimed at meeting temporary capacity deficits.