Power consumption in Kerala breached all records on Wednesday to touch 4,000 MW (80 million units), prompting experts to predict that the State may consume up to 100 million units a day in two years, given the soaring mercury level and pattern of electricity use.
Daily peak demand that swayed between 60 and 65 million units last year has gone up by about 15 million units this year and it is realistic to foresee the State requiring 100 million units during peak hours in two years, says a government official.
Figures from the Kerala State Electricity Board show that the peak-load demand climbed to 4,004 MW (80.33 million units) on Wednesday. “It is the first time that the 4,000-MW (80 million units) barrier is breached,” says an expert on Kerala power situation. He points out that the morning and evening peak demand levels have converged.
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The massive rise in power demand has prompted experts to call on authorities to make it easier for people to tap solar power. Former Chief Electrical Inspector P.C. Rajan Babu feels around 40 per cent of Kerala’s power demand can be shifted to grid-linked solar power generation. But solar power generation has lagged in the State for various reasons and the government must encourage people to establish solar units, he says, adding the success of Cochin International Airport Ltd. has cleared the air of any doubt about the efficacy of solar power.