THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the state has received normal rainfall from June 1, water flow into the reservoirs has increased and generation from the power plants, except Idukki, has reached the maximum level.The water level in Idukki reached 2389.58 feet on Thursday while it was 2366.18 feet in the previous year, an increase of 22 feet. The storage of water in all the reservoirs in Kerala is now sufficient to produce hydroelectric power for the next one year.KSEB sources said that in Idukki only five million units were produced a day. As heavy rains lashed Central Kerala, the inflow to the reservoirs has increased."Rain is still continuing in Idukki and its catchment areas. The daily flow to Idukki is estimated at 0.5 feet a day and the dam will reach its full capacity when 20 feet more water flows in’’, sources said.The power generation had been limited from Idukki as the water flow to other reservoirs are also increasing. Maximum thrust is being given to full power production from all the generating stations, except Idukki.The power production from Idukki has been limited to ensure maximum storage of water in the largest reservoir. The daily power consumption in Kerala is 3,100 MW and the small and medium hydroelectric projects produce 1,813 MW of electricity now and the rest are met from the thermal projects and Central pool.Statistics with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the state received normal rainfall, except in Thiruvananthapuram and Wayanad districts. IMD director K Santhosh said that heavy rainfall would continue for two more days in the State.The heavy rain has been caused by a low pressure belt in Orissa which can be termed as ‘activation of the South-West monsoon.’ The intensity of the downpour will come down after Saturday.The increase in power consumption in the state every year is posing great threat to the power sector.It is estimated that the state requires 6,000 MW of electricity by 2021 and other sources of power have to be commissioned to face the crisis.
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