Bengaluru will not face power cuts despite drought, says Shivakumar

The city will continue to receive uninterrupted power despite the severe drought in the state this year, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar said on Saturday.

“Barring power cuts in morning and evening hours, seven hours of regular supply would be given to  farmers. Numerous projects have been taken up in the power generation and power saving sectors,” the minister said at the 'Meet the Press'  programme organised by Press Club of Bangalore. 

He said 898 projects worth more than Rs 10,000 crore, taken up by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) are under progress.

The minister also mentioned the projects taken up during his tenure, including distribution of LED bulbs, Surya Raitha scheme, ongoing Pavagada Solar Park project, among others.

On the posts lying vacant in the energy department, he said that over 14,000 linemen and engineers have been appointed and under the second phase, about 11,000 more
personnel would be hired.

LED bulbs at Rs 50 each

Stating that consumers can soon get a subsidised LED bulb at Rs 50 each instead of Rs 100, the Minister said: "We have taken steps to provide LED tube lights that cost Rs 750 each at a subsidised rate of Rs 250 in urban areas. We have distributed 1.5 crore bulbs till date.”

Rubber dams in K’taka

A proposal has been sent to the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) over setting up of rubber dams on the lines of reservoirs in Germany, to generate electricity from smaller streams and rivers. 

“Before floating tenders, we want to see how they function and a team of 5-6 people will soon head to Germany to study them,’’ the minister said.

‘Haven’t sought post’

On reports that he is lobbying for the KPCC president’s post, Shivakumar said: “I have not applied for the post. It is up to the party high command to take the decision. I will abide by whatever they say.”