As the monsoon progresses to a vigorous phase, electricity consumption in the State dropped by almost 20 per cent compared to consumption figures during mid-May. While power consumption on May 15 stood at 58.09 million units (MU), it dropped to 48.42 MU on June 17.
Statistics provided by the KSEB Engineers Association show that the maximum power demand which stood at 2,891 mega watt (MW) on May 15 dropped to 2,731 MW on June 17. The corresponding figures for hydroelectric generation in the State are 8.55 million units and 14.23 million units respectively.
In fact power consumption was showing a steady fall from May 31 as the monsoon began. During mid-April the consumption had touched 60 million units per day. On May 31 the consumption was 51.45 million units.
KSEB officials said that the big drop was because of the usage of air-conditioners that were consuming more power. The rising temperatures became unbearable and many were forced to purchase air-conditioners to get relief from the soaring heat.
Water inflow
While on May 15, the inflow into the Idukki dam reservoir was sufficient enough to generate only 0.08 million units, the inflow on June 15 soared sufficient enough to generate 37.23 million units as per the statistics. The water level of the reservoir which stood at 701.74 meters on May 31 rose to 705.02 meters on June 17. The same day last year the level was 700.61 meters.
