Keralam is facing an acute power shortage as electricity demand has risen by more than 1,000 MW compared with the same period last year, while power generation has declined.State Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph told reporters in Kochi on Friday that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) was taking several measures to address the shortage. He also blamed the Opposition for lapses during its tenure that had contributed to the present power crisis.Compared with the same period last year, there has been an additional demand of more than 1,000 MW. The increase has been attributed to the greater use of air conditioners and fans amid adverse climatic conditions, as well as the growing number of electric vehicles.Peak-hour demand has also shifted towards late night as people charge their electric vehicles after returning from work and other activities, the Minister said.Consumption has gone up and, at the same time, power generation has declined. The coal shortage experienced by several North Indian States has also affected Keralam’s ability to procure power from outside, he said.The State is not in a position to enter into long-term power purchase agreements immediately, as such contracts require tenders, participation by eligible suppliers, regulatory approvals and several months to finalise, Joseph said.The difficulty in making short-term power purchases from outside the State has further aggravated the situation amid rising demand across the country, he added.Kerala is also currently unable to store solar power generated during the day for use at night. Projects are under way to establish power-storage facilities at Mylatti and Mulleria in Kasaragod, Sreekandapuram in Kannur, Pothencode in Thiruvananthapuram and Areekode in Malappuram, the Minister said.Work on a 500-MW Battery Energy Storage System project at Brahmapuram in Ernakulam district will begin once the land is cleared, he said.The State currently generates only around 25 per cent of its electricity requirement internally and has not been able to commission a major power-generation project since the Idukki project. Hydroelectric power remains its primary source of generation, but the State faces difficulties in initiating new hydropower projects.The Minister had earlier said in Thiruvananthapuram that daily power consumption had surged to around 5,200 MW, compared with 3,794 MW during the same period last year. Kerala is facing a supply deficit of roughly 700–900 MW due to weak monsoon rains, low water levels in hydel reservoirs and restricted coal availability for thermal power plants.The State generates around 1,650 MW on its own, receives 1,500 MW as its central share, 630 MW through long-term contracts and 100 MW through short-term contracts.Published on September 11, 2026