The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has suggested shifting hydropower production to the night to mitigate evening electricity shortages and reduce reliance on expensive external power purchases.

  • KSERC has advised KSEB to examine nighttime hydropower generation.
  • Daytime solar energy surplus is leading to the surrender of contracted power.
  • The move aims to address the critical electricity shortage after 6:00 PM.
  • Goal: Minimize expensive power procurement from outside the state.

Thiruvananthapuram: In a strategic move to tackle the recurring evening electricity shortages, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to investigate the feasibility of shifting daytime hydropower generation to the nighttime hours.

The directive was issued by the commission, headed by T.K. Jose, during a hearing on Thursday, September 4, 2026. The commission's rationale is rooted in the current energy profile of the state: Kerala has seen a massive surge in solar power capability in recent years, resulting in a significant surplus of electricity during daylight hours. To accommodate this influx of solar energy from prosumers, KSEB has frequently been forced to surrender power already contracted from various other sources.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Kerala is facing a classic 'energy timing mismatch.' While there is an abundance of solar power during the day, demand peaks sharply after 6:00 PM. To meet this evening surge, the state currently relies on high-cost power purchases from outside the state, which directly impacts consumers through surcharges on their electricity bills. Shifting the generation pattern of hydropower could provide a natural buffer during these peak hours.

Optimizing the generation cycle of hydropower is critical to balancing a grid increasingly dominated by intermittent solar energy.

The financial implications are substantial. Between April and August 2026, KSEB spent approximately ₹1,190 crore on power purchases. By utilizing stored hydropower during the night or evening, the utility could significantly reduce this expenditure. During previous hearings, KSEB representatives noted that they were surrendering between 6 to 10 million units (mu) of round-the-clock (RTC) power due to daytime solar excess.

Historical Background

Kerala has recently navigated several periods of energy instability. During the summer and southwest monsoon months of 2026, the state faced acute power shortages, leading KSEB to impose limited power curbs. The rapid integration of renewable energy, while environmentally positive, has necessitated a complete overhaul of how the state manages its traditional hydroelectric assets to ensure grid stability.

Did You Know?: 'Prosumers' are consumers who also produce electricity (like households with solar panels), significantly changing how traditional utility companies manage the grid.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is there a shortage of electricity in the evening?
The shortage occurs because solar power production stops as the sun sets, right when domestic and commercial electricity demand reaches its peak.

2. How will shifting hydropower help consumers?
It helps by reducing the need for the state to buy expensive electricity from other states, which can prevent increases in electricity surcharges.