Bengaluru power cut news: As Bengaluru residents brace for the scorching summer temperatures and a potential spike in electricity consumption, the Karnataka government has assured that there will be no power cuts in the state, including the capital city. Energy Minister KJ George was quoted by The Times Of India on Friday as saying that the state is “well prepared” for the summer.
The minister made the comment after assessing Karnataka’s power generation and supply capabilities. He said the state, which boasts a power surplus, is well-prepared to handle the growing demand in the coming months.
‘Karnataka Prepared for Peak Demand’
With electricity demand expected to exceed 19,000 MW per day during peak summer, George assured citizens that the state has taken necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
“We are fully prepared to meet the rising demand this summer. Karnataka has an installed capacity of 34,000 MW, and as of February 27, we managed to meet a peak load of 17,874 MW without any shortages,” George was quoted as saying by TOI. The minister further noted that February 2024 saw a daily demand surge of nearly 2,000 MW compared to the previous year, yet the government remains confident in its ability to supply power without disruptions.
To strengthen its power supply, Karnataka has secured additional electricity from the NTPC plant in Kudgi, Vijayapura. Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, explained that the state received an extra 50% allocation from NTPC’s unallocated share. Additionally, Karnataka continues its energy banking arrangements with northern states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, the TOI report said.
“Depending on demand, Uttar Pradesh has been supplying anywhere between 100 MW and 1,275 MW, while Punjab has consistently provided 300 MW daily. During the monsoon months, when Karnataka’s demand declines, we will return the same quantity of power to these states,” Gupta elaborated.
The state has also planned to procure approximately 1,000 MW of electricity on a long-term basis from the energy exchange, with prices ranging between ₹6.75 and ₹6.85 per unit.
Despite its power surplus, Karnataka faces a challenge: the lack of storage facilities. Minister George highlighted that while the state generates more power than it consumes, storage limitations remain a hurdle.
To address this, the government is prioritizing the development of pumped storage projects at Sharavathi, Varahi, and JSW in Ballari, alongside a battery storage facility at Pavagada in Tumakuru district. These initiatives aim to enhance Karnataka’s ability to store and distribute power efficiently in the long run.
