Kerala boosts hydel output amid poll season as dam levels drop to 44%

As Kerala faces intense Assembly election activity and record-high power consumption, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has ramped up generation at Moolamattom and other hydel power plants to ensure uninterrupted electric power supply. Meanwhile, storage levels in hydel dams dropped to 44% as on Saturday. According to KSEB dam safety officials, the water level at the Idukki reservoir stands at 2,347.46 ft, compared to 2,352.84 ft on the same day last year.

KSEB data indicate that current storage across all hydel dams is sufficient to generate 1,821.7 MU of power. Officials noted that the “water year” is calculated from June 1 to November 30, meaning 63 days remain before the next water year begins.

As power demand surges, generation at major hydel dams has also increased. Total hydel generation on Friday was 27.33 MU. The Moolamattom power plant generated 10.655 MU on Friday and 12.5 MU on Thursday. “Generation at Moolamattom and other hydel dams is determined by the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) based on peak daily demand,” an official stated.

According to sources, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has been campaigning on the claim that there have been no power cuts or load shedding in the State for the past ten years. “With the polls round the corner, KSEB has been directed to ensure uninterrupted power across the State during the election period, without paying heed to water storage or financial loss. The government fears that power cuts during the election period could prove costly for the LDF,” a source said.

However, sources warn that if record consumption continues, current storage levels may not be sufficient to meet demand through the end of May. Despite this, officials remain hopeful of a repeat of last year’s weather patterns. “Last year, summer rains provided a major inflow, helping us overcome the shortage. Storage in major dams was at 28% on May 24, 2025, but rose to 42% by May 31—a 14% increase in just seven days. We are expecting a similar situation this year,” a KSEB source added.

Storage levels in other key dams as of Saturday were: Pamba (41%), Sholayar (51%), Idamalayar (39%), Kundala (96%), Mattupetty (46%), Kuttiady (54%), Thariyode (33%), Anayirankal (100%), Ponmudi (48%), Neriamangalam (59%), Peringalkuthu (44%), and Lower Periyar (76%).