Power game: Cesc calls it 'social responsibility'

The officer, who preferred anonymity, told Deccan Herald that it was true that the rural areas were being supplied additional power supply than the stipulated hours of supply because of preparations for the zilla and taluk panchayat elections to be held on December 31. There would be hectic activities in almost all the villages in view of the elections and the CESC did not want to cause hardship to anyone. “This is not an election gimmick or a favour doled out to any political party. Our concern is that there should not be any discrepancies while preparing for the polls,” he said.

The officer said lot of people were visiting villages as part of the election campaign and nobody should face problems pertaining to drinking water. The power shutdown should not affect the functioning of flour mills in villages. Some portion of power supply meant for urban areas is being diverted to rural areas at least till the elections are over. The hours of power supply to rural areas have been increased considerably increased keeping in view the interest of villagers, and their voting power.

There has been steady improvement in the last few days following unseasonal rains in the State. This had resulted in increase in the generation of power through hydel power generating stations. Besides, there was excess power supply available at the national grid which was available free of cost. Hence, the State drew more power from the grid and supplied the same to both urban and rural areas. Now, the government has been buying 1,000 mw of power from open market. The power situation in the districts that come under the Cesc jurisdiction has improved a lot when compared to corresponding period of previous year, the officer said.
He clarified that the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) fixes and controls the load for the entire State and all Escoms, with Cesc having role in it.