Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is facing renewed concerns over possible load shedding in November as the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) seeks approval for additional electricity purchases to meet rising demand. The proposed arrangements are yet to be finalised, leaving uncertainty over whether the state can secure enough power to avoid further restrictions during peak hours.
Recent reports indicate that KSEB is seeking state government approval for a proposed purchase from Himachal Pradesh while negotiating for a lower price. The reported asking price is Rs 14.50 per unit, while KSEB is hoping to bring it down to Rs 12.50 per unit. The lower rate remains a negotiation target, and no final agreement on the proposed terms has been confirmed.
The latest discussions come after reports of an existing arrangement to obtain 600 megawatts of electricity from Himachal Pradesh during peak hours from October 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, at Rs 14.50 per unit. The precise relationship between this arrangement and the latest proposal for additional or continued supply requires clarification. The pending decision should therefore not be interpreted as meaning that Kerala has no existing electricity purchase arrangement with Himachal Pradesh.
The state is also facing concerns about a possible shortage during periods of high consumption. Reports have placed the projected electricity deficit in November at 738 megawatts during peak hours, particularly at night. This figure represents a forecast rather than a confirmed shortage, and the final position will depend on how much electricity KSEB can secure and the level of demand.
Reports have cited a proposed supply capacity ranging from 864 megawatts to 1,280 megawatts. However, another report gave the lower figure as 846 megawatts. The discrepancy has not been resolved, and the exact quantity available under the proposed arrangement requires confirmation. The delivery hours and final terms also remain unclear.
Although additional electricity could help reduce the risk of power cuts, the proposed supply cannot be assumed to eliminate the projected deficit. The outcome will depend on the availability of electricity during the required hours, the terms of the agreement and other supply arrangements available to KSEB.
Kerala has faced electricity supply pressures in recent months, particularly when demand rises during the evening and night. The state relies on both electricity generated within Kerala and power purchased from other states. When demand exceeds available supply, the utility must secure additional electricity or consider other measures to manage consumption.
Earlier procurement arrangements were intended to improve electricity availability and reduce the need for restrictions. Reports in September indicated that additional purchases could ease the situation from October. However, supply arrangements covering one period do not necessarily guarantee sufficient electricity in the months that follow.
The cost of purchasing power is another important consideration. Electricity bought at higher rates can increase KSEB's procurement expenditure. The reported negotiations to reduce the price from Rs 14.50 to Rs 12.50 per unit reflect the importance of securing additional supply on affordable terms. However, the impact of the proposed purchase on consumer electricity bills has not been established.
Separately, reports on Wednesday indicated that KSEB planned to collect a fuel surcharge of 5 paise per unit on monthly electricity bills and 4 paise per unit on bills issued every two months. The reported surcharge should be distinguished from the proposed Himachal Pradesh purchase, as a direct connection between the two has not been established. The applicable details should be confirmed through official announcements before consumers are given further guidance.
The state government's decision on the proposed procurement remains an important next step. The latest reports indicate that KSEB is awaiting approval before proceeding with the relevant regulatory process. The status of this particular proposal should not be confused with separate electricity purchase arrangements that may already be under regulatory consideration.
For now, the possibility of renewed load shedding remains a concern rather than a confirmed decision. No verified schedule specifying the dates, areas or hours that could be affected in November has been established.
The immediate priority is to clarify the proposed purchase terms, confirm the amount of electricity available and determine whether the state can meet peak demand through existing and additional supply arrangements. Until KSEB and the state government provide further details, the extent of any possible electricity restrictions in Kerala remains uncertain.