No power cuts likely this summer, says Shobha

 In response to growing concerns about power cuts in summer, Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje said on Tuesday that her department has taken adequate measures to ensure that consumers are not inconvenienced in the months to come.

“Last year we purchased 1,000 MW of additional power to help consumers during summer. This year, we have already bought enough for 1,280 MW per day, from Gujarat, and from companies such as Jindal and BMM Ispat at an average cost of Rs 4.30 per unit. The department has also set aside around Rs 4,000 crore exclusively for power purchase,” she told a press conference.

In addition, the department has been prudent in conserving water in the hydel stations during December 2012, according to Karandlaje. “Every day, about 38 MU is being drawn from the hydel stations,” she added.
‘I am always targeted’

When asked about the fact that she had taken flak while confronting the Jagadish Shettar government on women’s issues, Karandlaje said she was proud of her efforts. “Thanks to my efforts, a CID probe was ordered in the rape and murder case of a woman in HD Kote. People will always have a problem – if I speak or don’t speak,” she said.