Ensure adequate power supply during peak summer, energy minister tells officials

Bengaluru: Energy Minister KJ George has directed his department officials to implement measures ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during the summer months this year.

During a meeting with officials from the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), and Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL), the minister reviewed electricity generation, procurement, and transmission plans. “Along with ensuring reliable electricity supply, steps must be taken to increase power generation as needed to bridge any demand-supply gap,” he said.

Highlighting the KPCL’s thermal power plants, George noted that last summer, these plants achieved a record average generation of 3,600 megawatts and urged officials to surpass this benchmark in the coming season.

On learning that some production units at the Raichur, Yermarus, and Ballari thermal power plants were non-operational, George instructed officials to expedite maintenance work. “Set clear deadlines to address annual maintenance and minor technical issues. Ensure all units, except one at RTPS, are fully operational for power generation by the end of February 2025.”

The minister emphasised reducing dependency on purchasing power from other states by prioritising power exchanges. He urged immediate discussions with neighbouring states to establish agreements and encouraged securing long-term contracts at lower rates to offset the high costs of short-term electricity procurement.

“This strategy will allow the sale of surplus electricity at higher rates during peak hours, easing the financial burden.”