Karnataka plans for uninterrupted power supply during summer

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George has directed energy department officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak summer months. Chairing a three-hour meeting with officials from Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) and Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL), the Minister emphasised boosting power generation and addressing supply challenges.

Last summer, KPCL's thermal power plants achieved a record average generation of 3,600 megawatts. This year, George urged surpassing this benchmark, directing all units to be operational by February 2025, except for one unit of the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), which is undergoing maintenance. The Minister highlighted the importance of prioritising power exchange agreements with neighbouring states over short-term electricity purchases, which are costly.

He stressed finalising longterm contracts at lower rates to mitigate financial strain and enable the sale of excess electricity at higher rates during peak hours. George also emphasised balancing solar, thermal, and hydropower usage. Solar energy will power agricultural pump sets during the day, while thermal and hydropower plants will cater to night-time demand.