Despite coal crisis, govt will ensure enough power supply: DKS

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said that there will be no power cuts in the state.  

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the mobile app- Bescom Mitra and Bescom Vigilance Awareness meet, Shivakumar said that despite shortage in coal and hydel reservoirs half filled, the government is committed to ensure adequate power supply.  

He criticised the BJP-led Centre for 'step motherly' treatment towards the state and blamed it for the coal crises. "If need be, the state government will import one million tonnes of coal. Tenders have also been called for it,'' he said.  

The minister said that the Energy department has already purchased 1,000 MW power to ensure there are no power cuts. He said that the government is not using much of hydel resources to meet summer peak demand.  

Shivakumar also reminded BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa on the latter's promise to speak with the Central government and get power at Rs 2.50 per unit. "So far we have got nothing. If Yeddyurappa sticks to his word and gets the state 1,000 MW at Rs 2.50, I will join him. But, I know that all that is false."

 All details have been finalised to commission the Godhna power plant in Chattisgarh, but the coal block committee is not approving it. Shivakumar said that on  January 19, the Pavagada Solar Park in Tumakuru district, supplying 2000 MW to the grid will be inaugurated.