Karnataka plans 'power swapping' with UP, Punjab to combat severe shortage

Rithu Dravid | NT

Bengaluru: Karnataka is grappling with two critical challengesthe poor monsoons leading to water scarcity and an acute shortage of power and is planning a 'power swapping' arrangement with Uttar Pradesh and Punjab to make up for the shortfall in the critical months from October, 2023 to May, 2024.

The state is facing an extraordinary situation of high-power demand due to below normal monsoons with an unexpected demand of more than 15000 MW in October this year.

To mitigate the shortfall in power and to meet the increasing demand, the energy department plans power purchases through Day-Ahead-Market (DAM) and Real-Time-Market (RTM), said sources.

The state has negotiated for swapping of power from Uttar Pradesh during the pre-solar and postsolar hours to an extent of 300 to 600 MW from October 2023 to May 2024.

This power is to be returned to Uttar Pradesh from June to September 2024. Similarly, the swapping arrangement with Punjab will provide 500 MW of Round-The- Clock (RTC) power from November 2023 to May 2024.

As Karnataka heavily relies on agriculture, with over 60% of its population engaged in the sector, the poor monsoons have decreased agricultural productivity.

 In order to save their crops, far mers have started using IP sets earlier than the regular season. In view of the hydel power deficit caused by the low levels in dams, non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas wil have to be relied upon.

However, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) is receiving wet coal, resulting in frequent breakdown of plants. The State has recorded peak demand of 16950 MW and energy consumption of 294 MUs on 25 August 2023.

It is noticeable that the State's highest demand in August 2022 was only 11268 MW. The State is curently facing a daily shortfall of 40-50 MU. Permission has been obtained from Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to procure power on a cap rate basis.

The department has requested all consumers to assist the state in saving energy and help it tide over "this temporary phase of shortage".

Meanwhile, Minister of Energy KJ George has apprised RK Singh, Union Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy of the power situation in Karnataka. He has elaborated on the steps taken to augment power generation in view of increase in power demand.

The minister has also requested for a highest share from Central generating stations to support Karnataka's need for additional power.

A detailed report on various innovative projects taken up by Karnataka with both wind and solar energy was discussed on Wednesday. 

George moots solar IP sets for farmers

Minister of Energy KJ George said, “The deficit rainfall in the state has increased demand for agricultural IP (irrigation pump) loads as the farmers have to save their crops. The focus is on providing solar IP sets to farmers as they will not have to depend on power and can combat energy crises in the state”.