Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 15: Kerala is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption as an intense heatwave, combined with an ongoing shortage of cooking gas, pushes households and small businesses to increasingly depend on electric appliances.

The state recorded a peak power demand of 6,012 MW on Tuesday evening, the highest ever, surpassing the previous day’s 5,933 MW. Total daily consumption also hit a monthly peak of 112.52 million units.

Officials said a major share of this demand—87.42 million units—was met through external power purchases, highlighting Kerala’s growing reliance on imported electricity. In contrast, local generation, including hydropower, contributed just 25.09 million units.

The rising demand is being driven not only by extreme temperatures but also by a shift in cooking habits. With an LPG shortage affecting supply, many households have turned to induction cookers and electric stoves. The trend is also visible among small eateries and roadside tea stalls, which have increasingly switched from gas to electricity.

The Kerala State Electricity Board is reportedly under pressure as it grapples with balancing rising consumption and supply constraints amid sustained high temperatures.

On Vishu day, large parts of the state continued to face extreme heat conditions, with 12 districts placed under high-temperature alerts. Palakkad recorded 40°C for the second time this season, while Kollam reached 38°C. Kannur and Kottayam also crossed 37°C.

The ultraviolet index has risen to dangerous levels at multiple monitoring stations, raising health concerns over prolonged exposure. Medical officials have reported an increase in heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, fatigue, and sunburn.

With both temperature and electricity demand rising simultaneously, authorities face mounting challenges in ensuring stable power supply while managing climate-driven consumption patterns across the state.