Kochi: If no rainfall occurs within 2-3 days, load shedding is likely to be implemented in the state. The KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) will hold a meeting on July 4 to take important decisions.

KSEB Chairman N. S. Pillai told Mathrubhumi that the possibilities of load shedding will be evaluated according to the remaining water in the dam reservoirs, weather reports and daily average power consumption. It is planned to curb power supply during regular intervals, if there is no proper rainfall in the coming days.

Lack of power lines

Though plenty of electricity is available in North Indian states, there are no power lines to bring it here. Koodamkulam-Edamon-Kochi line was supposed to be completed by March, but was delayed to a land issue. A 600-650 metre area in the 148 km line between Edamon and Kochi is involved in the legal issue.

The high court had directed the Power Grid Corporation to change the alignment of the line in this area. But the Power Grid Corporation said they will approach the Supreme Court pointing out the difficulties in changing the alignment for an area where only one tower is set up.

Koodamkulam-Edamon-Kochi 400 KV line

Koodamkulam-Edamon-Kochi 400 KV line is sufficient to fulfil the power requirement of Kerala for 15-20 years. The line passes through Kollam (22 km), Pathanamthitta (47 km), Kottayam (51 km) and Ernakulam (28 km) districts.

At present, the power from Koodamkulam Nuclear Power Plant is brought to Kerala through Koodamkulam-Tirunelveli-Udumalpett-Madakkathara line. This is 250 km longer than Edamon-Kochi line and causes power line losses and other technical issues.

Only 30 percent of the total required electricity is produced in the state. The rest of the power is supplied from other states. Presently, the power lines have capacity to bring only 2900 MW electricity. Once Edamon-Kochi line is complete, an additional 1000 MW can be carried here.