Shobha for more solar power with less capital

Hence, the challenge before the government would be to identify newer methods to provide more power with less capital investment, said Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje.

At the Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas celebrations on Monday, the minister wanted research and development programmes to be prioritised.

Renewable power

On renewable power generation in the State, she admitted that despite private companies bidding for the renewable energy projects, none had delivered the goods.

“The government is contemplating shifting such projects to newer and better firms in the future, if such situation persists,” she said, urging the existing companies to perform.

She further added that the government was on a mission to electrify every household in the State in the next two years. Beisdes, the State government has envisaged the generation of 4,200 MW of renewable energy by 2014, with 200 MW through solar power.

LPG connection

Responding to the Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda’s statement on delinking LPG connections, Shobha Karandlaje, who also holds Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs portfolio, said appropriate measure will be taken after meeting him.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, she said: “As of now, the department will not initiate action against those who have more than one LPG connection. However, the drive against illegal gas connections in the State will not be halted. Further decision will be taken after having a meeting with the chief minister.”

Currently, the State has cancelled 30 lakh illegal LPG connections across the State.