Karnataka adds power capacity ahead of anticipated summer demand
Karnataka officials say the state has increased available electricity by more than 3,000MW and is preparing for higher demand in the coming summer. Plans include thermal generation, power procurement, borrowed electricity from northern states, additional central-grid allocation and expanded battery storage projects.
Karnataka officials say the state has increased electricity availability by more than 3,000 megawatts as complaints about power cuts continue across Bengaluru and other districts. The Energy Department said the additional supply had come from thermal generation, purchases from the central grid and independent power generators. State Load Dispatch Centre figures showed demand at 298 million units on September 30, down from 340 million units recorded earlier in September.
An official attributed the recent reduction partly to good rainfall but said disruptions could also result from overloading, line clearance and maintenance at substations. Residents, however, reported repeated outages in Bengaluru, Belagavi and other areas, with some relying on generators, inverters or uninterruptible power supplies. Energy and Tourism Minister K.J.
George said Karnataka was prepared to meet electricity demand in the coming months. He said the state was exploring procurement through exchanges involving Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana and had procured 2,000MW of thermal power in recent months. George also said maintenance of Karnataka Power Corporation thermal units had been optimised and coal stocks were being built.
Power banking from northern states would be used from November, depending on demand. From November 1, another 1,000MW is expected to become available as the state stops returning electricity borrowed earlier. Additional Secretary for Energy Gaurav Gupta said demand had risen by 30% in September, which he linked to the impact of El Niño.
He said 230MW was being taken in advance from other generators, while 236MW had been allocated from the central pool. A central government notification was also expected to increase power available through exchanges. The state is developing storage as part of its longer-term plans.
Projects under KPTCL total 500MW/1,000MWh, while KREDL is pursuing a solar project at Pavagada with 1,100MWh of battery storage. Further battery projects are planned at Kushtagi and Huliyurdurga.
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