August 11, 2012. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant is likely become operational by month-end with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) giving its approval for loading fuel in the 1,000 MW first unit. The green signal for loading fuel, the last step before the reactor starts producing power, came after a meeting of the regulatory board. Once the first of the two 1,000 MW units becomes operational, Tamil Nadu will get around 450 MW and the rest will be shared between Kerala, Puducherry and the central grid.