Pacific Ocean Holds Key to Preventing Blackouts in Parched India
- Low water levels a risk to power output in No. 3 Asian economy
- Possible `La Nina' ocean pattern may help by ending dry spell
Dried and cracked area of the Manjara Dam Project in Latur, India.
Photographer: Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The man charged with supplying electricity to about 33 million people in the Indian state of Kerala needs rain to help keep the lights on.
Hydroelectric output in Kerala is about a quarter below expected levels after two poor annual Indian monsoon seasons sapped water reserves, according to M. Sivasankar, the chairman of the state’s electricity board. At the same time, power demand is higher than anticipated as summer heat intensifies.