BENGALURU: While Bengalureans are dreading soaring temperatures in the coming months and a likely surge in the demand for power, Karnataka govt Friday announced there will be no power cuts this summer in Bengaluru and other parts of the state.
Energy minister KJ George said there will be no power cuts regardless of demand, after reviewing power generation and supply capabilities of Karnataka. He said Karnataka, a power-surplus state, doesn’t have storage capacity.
Anticipating Karnataka’s demand may cross 19,000 MW per day during the summer months, George said, “We are ready to cater to the growing demand this summer. Besides the installed capacity, Karnataka has managed to get additional power through various sources…” The minister said Karnataka has an installed capacity of 34,000 MW. “As of Feb 27, Karnataka achieved a peak load of 17,874 MW, and there was no shortage of power as we managed to supply the needed power.”
Min: Focus on building energy storage facilities
The minister added: “Compared to 2024 demand in Feb, there has been an increase of 2,000 MW every day. Yet, we are prepared to supply power to all sectors without any hurdles.”
Gearing up to meet the summer demand, Karnataka received a shot in the arm with additional allocation of power from NTPC plant at Kudgi in Vijayapura. “
Along with our share of power from NTPC, we’ve got an additional 50% from the unallocated share. Besides, we are continuing with the energy banking system with north Indian states such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Plans are also in place to procure about 1,000 MW of power on a long-term basis from the exchange for Rs 6.75 to Rs 6.85 per unit,” explained Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary, energy department.
While UP has been supplying power ranging from 100 MW to 1,275 MW depending on the demand, Punjab has been steadily supplying 300 MW daily. “Both states will be provided with the same quantity of power during monsoon months when our load drops considerably,” Gupta said.
George said, “Karnataka has surplus power. Even though our generation capacity is more than the actual consumption, we do not have the facility to store the generated power. Hence, we are focusing on building storage facilities like pumped storage projects at Sharavathi, Varahi and JSW in Ballari along with a battery storage facility at Pavagada in Tumakuru district.”
However, the only setback for the state govt is zero generation at Yelahanka combined cycle gas power plant due to expiry of the contract on procurement of gas.
“Yelahanka plant will resume its operations from March 1 as the govt will renew the contract with GAIL for supply of gas. Hopefully, Unit 4 of RTPS will also be commissioned by the end of March,” Gaurav Gupta said.