With the water level in all major hydel power stations, including Idukki, fast depleting in the absence of adequate rains during the initial phase of the monsoon, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has now brought down power generation at these stations. At the same time, the generation has been temporarily restricted at the Sabarigiri and Idamalayar hydel stations.
A senior KSEB official told The Hindu that power generation continued at a lower level to ensure the minimum storage in reservoirs, including Idukki. “Now low-cost power is available in the market and we are following a ‘reserve shutdown mode’ at Sabarigiri and Idamalayar power stations to conserve the water. Sometimes, power generation is temporarily stopped at small hydel stations to keep the existing water level. This is to also ensure the availability of water for drinking water projects,” said the official.
A KSEB dam safety wing official said that a high-level meeting by the power utility has decided to keep maximum storage in major hydel dams, including Idukki, after the latest weather forecast predicted low rain in July. “If the storage is low in hydel dams, power companies should raise the tariff for usage during peak hours. Now, the Moolamattom power plant generates power only during peak hours,” said the official.
