Power situation improves
No need for load-shedding if rains continue: Minister
The inflow into the Linganamakki reservoir has improved considerably and Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa is hopeful that if the rains continue for a few more weeks, there will be no need for ‘unofficial load-shedding’.
Speaking at a press conference here on Monday, the minister said that the inflow into the reservoirs, particularly Linganamakki, has increased. The inflow into the reservoir over the last couple of days stands at about 30,000 cusecs. Power stations in the State have been generating the power required to meet the demand.
Eshwarappa said that the recent rains have brought down farmers’ dependence on irrigation pump sets, thereby lessening the demand. The total daily demand stood at 90 Million Units (MU), and the production is approximately 90 MU.
Replying to a query, the minister stated that there is no official load-shedding in the State. “Depending on the rains in the coming days, the government will do away with the ‘unofficial load-shedding’ too,” he said.
“The Centre had allotted 1,543 MW power to Karnataka. We had been getting 329 MW lesser than the allotment. We have demanded that the Centre increase its allocation by 1,000 MW,” he added.
The inflow to three major reservoirs - Linganamakki, Supa and Mani has increased. The inflow figures recorded on July 6 are higher than those recorded on same the day last year. However, the water level in these reservoirs is lower than those of the previous year.
Wind power
The minister said the government has cancelled approvals granted for 55 wind power projects. “Many had obtained approvals with intentions other than to generate power,” he added.
Eshwarappa said many companies came forward to set up wind power projects eyeing the subsidy. “The Centre has also noticed this. Union Renewable Energy minister Farooq Abdullah is also for amending the modalities to approve wind projects,” he said.
The government is expecting a total of 9,000 MW from the approvals sanctioned. At present the total power generated from wind projects is only 1,400 MW.
Levels in major reservoirs
Reservoir Inflow (Cusecs) Water level
Linganamakki 31,357 (9,511) 1,754m (1761.40ft)
Supa 7,880 (5,865) 520.38 m (522.68 ft)
Mani 6,074 (1,782) 574.18 m (576.46 ft)
* As on July 6th, previous records in brackets.
Power generation
* Hydel stations 10 MU
*RTPS & BTPS 41 MU
* Central grid 28 MU
* Wind power & others 11 MU
Total 90 MU
