Thiruvananthapuram | The KSEB on Tuesday warned that partial power restrictions may be imposed during evening peak hours of the day if adequate electricity is not available through the power exchange amid a sharp rise in demand.

In a statement, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said electricity consumption in the state has increased significantly due to deficient rainfall caused by the El Nino phenomenon and relatively high atmospheric temperatures.

It said the availability of power through the exchange has also declined as electricity demand has risen across the country.

With dry weather continuing in Kerala, the state's power demand is expected to increase by around 400-500 MW on Tuesday compared to previous days, the board said.

"If the required quantum of power is not available through the power exchange, partial power restrictions may become necessary during the evening peak hours on Tuesday," it said.

Kerala has been facing an unprecedented power shortage over the past few weeks.

The opposition CPI(M) had criticised the ruling UDF government over the power restrictions, while the ruling regime blamed the previous LDF administration for alleged mismanagement, saying it also contributed to the present crisis.