Kerala regulator suggests night-time hydropower shift to ease evening shortages

The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to examine whether hydroelectric generation can be strategically shifted to evening and night hours when the state faces acute power shortages.

The recommendation stems from the regulator's observation that Kerala experiences significant power surpluses during daytime hours, driven by the rapid expansion of solar energy capacity in recent years. By reallocating hydropower production to peak demand periods after 6 p.m., the commission believes the state could reduce its dependence on expensive power procurement from neighbouring states and other sources.

Currently, Kerala's evening peak hours witness supply constraints that compel the state utility to resort to costly power purchases from outside the state. The regulatory commission's proposal suggests that better demand-supply management through strategic hydropower scheduling could optimize the state's existing generation capacity while minimizing financial burden.

The KSEB will now conduct technical feasibility studies to determine the viability of implementing such a shift in hydropower operations. The move reflects broader efforts across South India to improve electricity distribution efficiency and reduce consumer tariff pressures through strategic resource management.