JOIN USThe demand for power has come down to less than 100 million units in the last two days as the State has been receiving scattered rainfall. The demand was around 130 mu just a few days ago.
In fact, due to the widening demand and supply gap, the power utilities resorted to scheduled load shedding in the State, including Bangalore. The total supply has been 118 mu, official sources said.
Bangaloreans are putting up with one hour load shedding, while residents in other cities are witnessing three to four hours power cut.
Sources said the power utilities do not want to withdraw the load shedding, announced by Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa recently, in the wake of dip in demand. For the utilities are of the view that the demand will again shoot up in coming days.
According to the Energy department’s estimation, the average demand for power will be around 130 mu and supply 118 mu.
The gap between the demand and supply cannot be filled even if the State receives its full share (1,500 MW) from the Central grid. The State is getting around 1,000 MW.
Hence, sources said, the State has no option but to purchase power from outside this year also. Or, the power situation will turn from bad to worse.