Karnataka Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa, has assured of no additional load shedding till the beginning of monsoon. The assurance of the minister has come at a time when the state is facing unscheduled power cuts. As per Eshwarappa, the state is geared to generate uninterrupted power from hydel and thermal stations across the state to their optimum capacity. The power consumption in Karnataka is between 118 million units and 120 million units (MU) per day.
I agree the power situation has not improved to a great extent but at least we have managed to maintain status quo without resorting to additional power cuts. Just give us some more time,” Eshwarappa said.
We have sufficient power to give hassle-free electricity during the upcoming summer season when demand touches its peak. Also, no power tariff hike as proposed by Escoms (power distribution companies),” Eshwarappa said.
As we expect this demand to shoot up to 135-140 MU during peak summer, we have decided to purchase additional 650 MW of power from Jindal and GMR groups at a cost of INR8.85 per unit and INR7.75 per unit respectively,” Eshwarappa added.
As per the minister, the state plans various power projects in a time-bound manner and 6,600 megawatt (MW) will be added. Power supply from these projects is expected to start in a year.
Among the immediate plans, Eshwarappa said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed with Nuclear Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for establishing a 4,000 MW project in the state.