ENVIS Centre: Kerala
State of Environment and Related Issues

                  In the sector-wise breakup of total energy generation as given below the contribution of State sector is 83,922 MW (24.2 percent), central sector is 1,03,030 MW (29.8 per cent) and private sector is 1,59,096 MW (46 percent).

                     All India Installed Capacity as on October 31, 2018 

Power Sector in Kerala

          Power Sector in Kerala plays a vital role in all developmental activities in Kerala. Obviously power crisis is the Prime Obstacle to start new initiatives in the industrial field. The need for power is increasing and the production of power should also increase accordingly. Monsoon is essential to sustain the hydropower base in the state and the shortage in rainfall usually creates power crisis. Kerala received abundant monsoon during the current year and it increased the inflow in to KSEB reservoirs; the KSEB could manage the power supply situation with higher quantum of cheaper hydel power. Kerala is one among the very few states in the country where there was no load shedding and power cut during 2009-10. KSEB has been responsible for the generation, transmission and supply of electricity in the Sate of Kerala, with particular emphasis to provide electricity at affordable cost to the domestic as well as for agricultural purposes. The Board has been passing through a transitional phase of reforms in the electricity sector. The Electricity Act 2003 envisages separate organizations for Transmission and Distribution.

Energy Sources of Kerala

          Power System in Kerala encompasses hydel, thermal and wind sources. Hydel energy is the most reliable and dependable source in Kerala. Of the total installed capacity, 2746.19 MW, the lion’s share of 1933 MW of installed capacity comes from 24 hydel stations; 783.11 MW is contributed by the thermal projects including NTPC at Kayamkulam which is Kerala’s dedicated thermal station. Kanjikode wind farm, Palakkad has an installed capacity of 2.03MW. Wind Energy from IPP is 28.05 MW. Capacity addition during 2009-10 was only 51.44 MW (1.9 %) to 2746.19 MW as on 31-3-2010 from 2694.75 MW on 31-3-2009. 

         Monsoon is essential to sustain the hydropower base in the state and the shortage in rainfall usually creates power crisis. Hydel energy is the most reliable and dependable source in Kerala. Of the total installed capacity of 2881 MW during 2012-13, hydel contributed the major share of 2053 MW (71%); while 793MW was contributed by thermal projects including NTPC at Kayamkulam (Kerala’s dedicated thermal station) and Kanjikode wind farm, Palakkad has contributed 2MW, Wind Energy from IPP is 33 MW. Energy sources in Kerala [table] & [total Installed Capacity] from 2008-2013

According to the reports 2014, total installed capacity of power in the state as on March 2014 is 2892 MW. Of which, hydel contributed the major share of 2064 MW (71%); while 793MW was contributed by thermal projects including NTPC at Kayamkulam (Kerala’s dedicated thermal station) and 35 MW from wind. Additional capacity generated during 2013-14 was only 13 MW (0.46%) that is 2892 MW in 2013-14 against 2878 MW in 2012-13. shows details of energy source and its installed capacity during the last five years. Total installed capacity in Kerala from hydel, thermal and wind sources are shown here.

Generation

Capacity Addition during 2010-11: Power System in Kerala consisted of hydel, thermal and wind sources. Hydenergy is the most reliable and dependable source in Kerala. Of the total installed capacity, 2857.59 MW during 2011, the lion’s share of 2040.8 MW of installed capacity comes from 24 hydel stations; 783.11 MW is from the thermal projects including NTPC at Kayamkulam which is Kerala’s dedicated thermal station. Kanjikode wind farm, Palakkad has an installed capacity of 2.03 MW. Wind Energy from IPP is 31.65 MW. Capacity addition made during 2010-11 was only111.40 (4%) that of 2746.19 MW on 2009-10. The above table depicts details of energy source and its installed capacity in Kerala for the last five years and total installed capacity in Kerala from 2008 to 2013 is given here:

           The history of Hydro Power development in Kerala begins with the commissioning of Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in 1940. Next few decades reflected the progressive developments of various hydroelectric schemes implemented in the state. Sabarigiri in 1966 and Idukki in 1976 are milestones of power development in Kerala. The achievement in generation sector is not up to the level expected.  Total installed capacity of power in the state as on March 2013 is 2881 MW, of which the contribution of state sector is 2246.68 MW (78%), central sector 359.58 MW (12%) and private sector 274.78 MW (10%).Of the total installed capacity of 2892 MW during 2013-14, the contribution of State sector is 2245MW (78%), Central sector 360 MW (12%) and Private sector 287 MW (10%). Sector wise total Installed Capacity generated in Kerala from 2009 to 2014 is shown here. Senior wise total Installed Capacity generated in Kerala from 2012 to 2017 is shown here.

                  Total installed capacity of power in the State as on March 2016 is 2880.20 MW. Of which, hydel contributed the major share of 2104.3 MW (73.06 per cent); while 718.46 MW was contributed by thermal projects, 43.27 MW from wind and 14.15 MW from Solar. The figure shown below highlights the total installed capacity of Kerala from hydel, thermal and renewable sources. The total additional capacity added from all sources during 2015-16 was 44.5 MW.

                Total installed capacity of power in the State as on March 2017 is 2,961.11 MW. Of which, hydel contributed the major share of 2,107.96 MW (71.19 per cent); while 718.46 MW was contributed by thermal projects, 59.27 MW from wind and 75.42 MW from solar. The figure belo highlights the total installed capacity of Kerala from hydel, thermal and renewable sources.

Total Installed Capacity

                  The total additional capacity added from all sources during 2016-17 was 55.03MW and scheme wise addition details are presented below:

                   Details of energy source and its installed capacity during the last five years while sector wise details are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. Of the total installed capacity of 2,961.11 MW during 2016-17, the contribution of State sector is 2,220.56 MW (74.99 percent), Central sector 359.60 MW (12.14 percent)and Private sector 380.95 MW (12.87 percent). The details of power availability during the last five years are shown here.

                  Total installed capacity of power in the State as on March 2018 is 2,956.47 MW. Of which, hydel power contributed the major share of 2,121.92 MW (71.77 percent); while 676.56 MW was contributed by thermal projects (22.88 percent), 60.28 MW from wind (2.04 percent) and 97.71 MW (3.30 percent) from solar. The figure below highlights the total installed capacity of Kerala from hydel, thermal and renewable sources.

Installed Capacity, mega watt

                 The below table gives the details of energy source and its installed capacity during the last five years and the while sector-wise details.

                 Of the total installed capacity of 2,956.47 MW in 2017-18, the contribution of State sector is 2,232.46 MW (75.51 percent), central sector 359.60 MW (12.06 percent) and private sector 364.41 MW (12.33 percent).

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

          KSEB has entered into PPA with various Central Generating Stations of NTPC, NLC, NPCIL etc. envisaged for Southern Region. In addition to this, power was purchased from Rajiv Gandhi combined cycle power plant of NTPC at Kayamkulam, BSES Kerala Power Ltd, Kochi and Kasaragod Power Corporation Ltd., Mylatti. Recently, KSEB has also executed PPAs with Mega Power Projects such as SIMHADRI Stage II, NLC, Tutucorin-a joint venture project of NLC and TNEB, NLC Stage II expansion etc.  As a measure to encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEB has executed 38 PPAs for purchase of power from wind energy projects and from two Small Hydro Projects, namely, Meenvallom and Iruttikkanam.  Power Purchase Agreement with  Power Generation Stations

          To encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEB has executed PPAs for purchase of power from Wind Energy Projects, Agali (13.8 MW) & Ramakkalmedu (14.25MW) and from a small Hydro Projects Iruttukkanam (4.5 MW) during 2012-13.  Power is also being purchased from Ullunkal Small Hydro Projects (7MW) and a co-generation plant of MPS steel, Kanjikode (8MW) and Philips Carbon Black Ltd., Kochi (10MW). The capacity allocated from various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is shown here:

           During 2013-14, as a measure to encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEB has executed PPAs for purchase of power from Wind Energy Projects, Agali (18.60 MW) & Ramakkalmedu (14.25MW) and from a small Hydro Projects Iruttukkanam (4.5 MW), Karikkayam (15 MW) and Ullunkal (7 MW). Power is also being purchased from co-generation plant of MPS steel, Kanjikode (10MW) and Philips Carbon Black Ltd., Kochi (10MW). The capacity allocated from various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is given.[Click]

                  KSEB has entered into PPAs with various Central Generating Stations of NTPC, Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) etc. This includes purchase of 235.38 mw of power from nuclear power stations and 1245.77 mw of power from various thermal stations for 2016-17. As a measure to encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEBL has executed PPAs for purchase of power from wind energy projects, Agali (18.60 mw) and Ramakkalmedu (14.25 mw) and from Small Hydro Projects Meenvallam (3 mw), Iruttukkanam (3 mw), Karikkayam (10.5 mw) Ullunkal (7 mw), Iruttukanam (4.5 mw) and Mankulam Mini Hydro (0.11 mw). Power is also being purchased from co-generation plant of MPS steel (10 mw). The capacity allocated from various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is given here.

                  KSEB has allocation of power from 15 central generating stations. As a measure to encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEBL has executed PPAs for purchase of power from wind energy projects, Agali (18.60 MW), Ramakkalmedu (14.25MW) and Ahaliya (8.4MW) and from Small Hydro Projects Meenvallam (3MW), Iruttukkanam (3 MW), Karikkayam (10.5 MW), Ullunkal (7 MW), Iruttukanam (4.5 MW) and Mankulam Mini Hydro (0.11 MW). The capacity allocated from various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is given here. 

Growth of Power System in Kerala

            Growth is necessary in every sector in the power system particularly, generation, and transmission. As on 30.09.2010, installed capacity has been hiked by 2746.19 MW as against the 2685 MW in the same period of previous year. Likewise, per-capita consumption has also been increased by 544 KWh. The details of growth of power system in Kerala during various years are given here.

             Kerala generates power from four sources-hydro power, thermal power, wind power and solar power. Of these, hydel and thermal power generations account for the considerable majority whereas wind and solar power generations make only marginal additions. Growth of power system in Kerala during the last five years is shown here.

                  The electricity demand of the State is met through generation from KSEBL, Central Generating Stations (CGS), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) Traders and purchase through power exchanges. The internal generation of KSEBL is given in table below:  

                       KSEBL as on March 31, 2018 owns 37 hydroelectric generating stations, 2 thermal power plants, 1 wind farm at Kanjikode, and 14.71 MW of solar plants at various locations with a total installed capacity of 2,232.46 MW. Perunthenaruvi small hydroelectric project of 6 MW was added to system on October 24, 2017. The internal generation of KSEBL increased from Net Value of 4,339.92 MU in 2016-17 to 5,474.47 MU in 2017-18.

Transmission

           The Kerala power system consists of 13 hydel stations, 11 small hydel stations, 2 captive power plants, 2 thermal stations, 3 IPPs, and 1 wind mill. The grid is connected to the Southern Region Transmission system through two 400kV double circuit lines at Madakkathara and Trivandrum. There are 5 major inter-state transmission lines. The major substations include one 400 KV sub-station, and fourteen 220 KV substations and four 220kV substations under construction. The main grid comprises of the 220 KV system.The net energy requirement for the year 2006-07 is estimated to be 14,687mu. Out of this about 7,457mu is expected from hydel sources, 7804 from central generating stations, and from the remaining sources. The present peak load demand is about 2700MW and is expected to increase up to 2,800 MW during April/May. The hydel potential is about 6130MU if the inflow is normal. We have a storage capacity of 4083MU. Kerala’s Transmission system consisting of substations and its connected lines.

                     During the year 2013-14, commissioning of 26 substations and construction of 314.6 KM of Transmission lines has been targeted. In the Transmission sector, many planned works could not be taken up due to land acquisition and right of way related issues. Kerala’s Transmission system consisting of substations and its connected lines are given below. The performance of the construction of substation with various capacities has not achieved the desired target. Out of the target of 5 numbers of 110 KV substations, only 1 substation is completed and in the case of 33 KV substations, 8 substations are completed against the target of 9 numbers. In the case of 220KV and 66 KV substations, nothing has been achieved. The details of transmission infrastructure and facilities in Kerala are shown here.

                  Transmission of electricity means a bulk transfer of power over a long distance at high voltage, generally of 110 KV and above. A good transmission system is necessary for effective distribution and also for procurement of power from outside the State. In the transmission sector, many planned works could not be taken up due to land acquisition and right of way related issues. The commissioning of three 110 KV substations, seven 33 KV substations and 143.43 Km of lines in the voltage levels above and including 33 KV, capacity addition of 498.8 mva including new substations are the achievements in the transmission side in 2016-17. Details of Kerala's transmission system consisting of substations and its connected lines are given in Table 1  and  Table 2.

Distribution 

      KSEB is the sole distributor of the Electrical Energy for the state of Kerala except Thrissur Corporation and Munnar where the distribution is managed by licensees. In Thrissur, City Corporation and in Munnar M/s Tata Tea Ltd are the licensees. The system as on 29/02/2009           Distribution Sector is a profound area, which provides electricity to all consumers in Kerala. In the distribution segment, 3398.27 kms of 11 KV lines, 7838 kms of LT lines and 5790 nos of distribution transformers were added during the period under review. Kerala has achieved full electrification in all villages, which is above average of national level. KSEB has given great attention to strengthen the distribution backbone by new ventures of Restructured- Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R- APDRP) and Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidhythikaran Yojana (RGGVY). The power  consumption comes to all time high. As on 31.3.2010, total number of consumers has increased to 9743476 nos against the 9363461 nos as on 31.3.2009. The distribution infrastructure is essential part of electrifying all domestic and non-domestic purpose. The target and achievement of the distribution infrastructure during 2009-10 is given here.

                 In the distribution segment, 53193 Circuit Kms of 11 KV lines, 274230 Kms of LT lines, 65686 nos. of distribution transformers and 1279379 street lights are existing as on 30th  Sept 2013. Service connections aggregating to 10963365 were effected during the years 2008-2013. During the financial year 2013-14, 190186 service connections were given up (against the target of 458130), 486.518kms of 11 KV line (against the target of 3430kms), 927 nos. of transformers (against the target of 4400 nos.) and 1415.5 kms of LT line (against the target of 6900 kms) were commissioned (up to 30.09.2013). The target and achievement of the distribution infrastructure during 2012-13 is given here.

                  In the distribution segment, there are 59,252 km of 11 kV lines, 277,422 km of LT lines and 75,579 distribution transformers. In the financial year 2016-17, a total of 462,237 service connections were given (against the target of 4,00, 000), 1,844.4 km of 11 kV lines (against the target of 3050 km) and 5,356.71 km of LT line (against the target of 3,500 km) were commissioned. The target and achievement of the distribution infrastructure during 2016-17 are given here. 

Power Consumption

          The domestic category consumers showed a reasonable growth of 4.27 percentages to 7760645 in 2009-10 from 7443028 in 2008-09. But LT & HT Commercial category consumers registered an increase of 4.71 percentages over 2008-09. Growth of other agricultural pumping, Licensees (Bulk supply) also increased substantially over the year. The sale of energy has increased corresponding to the increase of total consumers. During 2009- 10, 14047.75 MU of energy was sold showing an increase of 1170.1 MU as  compared to the last year (12877.65 MU). As per the 17th Power Survey, it is estimated that by the end of 11th plan period (2012), the annual consumption and maximum demand will be 19230 MU and 3528 MW respectively. LT Consumers as on 2005 and 2009.                

               KSEB has given great attention to strengthen the distribution backbone by introducing new ventures of Restructured- Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) and Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyuthikaran Yojana (RGGVY). The power consumption comes to all time high. As on 2012-13, total number of consumers has increased to 108.07 lakhs against 104.58 lakhs during 2011-12.

                  Kerala's consumption is predominantly domestic, which accounts for 51.18 per cent of the total consumption. Revenue from domestic consumers is only 35.82 per cent of the total revenue. The number of domestic category consumers has increased by 2.70 per cent from 9,124,747 in 2015-16 to 9,371,285 in 2016-17. In 2016-17, a total of 20,087 mu of energy valued at 1,103,587 lakh was sold (internally) showing an increase of 762 mu as compared to the previous year's 19,325 mu. The details of consumption of electricity in Kerala during 2012-13 to 2016-17 are given in Table 5.20 and the details of the pattern of power consumption and revenue collected in 2016-17 are furnished details here. The pattern of total consumption of electricity in Kerala has been fluctuating over the years.

Consumption of Electricity in Kerala 

             In Kerala, electrical energy consumption has increased to 20,453 mu in 2016-17 from 19,325 mu in 2015-16 with a percent increase of 5.84 percent. Electrical Energy consumption in Kerala during 2012-13 to 2016-17 is depicted below:

               The table below shows the projected energy consumption of the State for the next 10 years. As per the 19th Electric Power Survey by Central Electricity Authority, there will be an increase of 74 percent in commercial consumption and 60 per cent increase in domestic consumption of Energy in the State by 2026-27.

Projected Energy Consumption for the Next 10 years for Kerala(in mu) 

                  Domestic consumer’s form 77.89 percent of total consumers, consumes 50.36 percent of the total energy and provide 35.80 percent revenue to KSEBL. The number of domestic category consumers has increased to 95,62,253 in 2017-18 from 93,84,957 in 2016-17. In 2017-18, 20,998 MU of energy valued at ₹12,05,725 lakh was sold (internally) showing an increase of 960 MU as compared to previous year’s 20,038 MU. The details of consumption of electricity in Kerala in 2012-13 to 2017-18 is given below: