Power use rose 11.35% in first year of Gruha Jyothi scheme

Between August 2023 and July 2024, the overall domestic consumption of power in the state increased by 11.35% (the consumption by Gruha Jyothi scheme beneficiaries increased by 7.13%).

The extended high-temperature days and drought in Karnataka have resulted in a spike in the consumption of electricity.

Between August 2023 and July 2024, the overall domestic consumption of power in the state increased by 11.35 per cent (the consumption by Gruha Jyothi scheme beneficiaries increased by 7.13 per cent).

Except for Bescom (3.76 per cent), all other escoms witnessed a 10 per cent to 19.75 per cent rise last year.

The state had witnessed a 4.64 per cent rise in overall electricity consumption between 2022 and 2023.

In 2023-24, the state’s overall household power consumption was 16,089 million units (MUs), which is 1,263 MUs higher than the consumption in 2022-23.

Karnataka has around 1.98 crore households that receive electricity from one of the six electricity supply companies (escoms). More than 1.69 crore beneficiaries have enrolled for Gruha Jyothi, of which 1.6 crore have availed the benefit.

The government had given a 10 per cent buffer on the average 2022-23 power consumption for the households to receive zero-electricity bill.

Sources in the energy department told DH that the government had factored in that power consumption in the state could rise by a maximum of 10% compared to the previous year.

A senior officer said that the government had not allocated additional funds in the budget for the scheme, but has been clearing the dues to escoms regularly.

Another senior officer said drought and high temperatures increased household power consumption across the state.

“However, with good rainfall this year, we expect the power consumption to return to its average level.”

Due to the paucity of rain in the summer of 2023, there was a shortage of power supply in the state, forcing power supply companies to reduce supply to irrigation pumpsets.

Several areas in the state also used to report scheduled load shedding. There have been instances where the government has purchased power from private players and national grid at Rs 7.42 to Rs 10 per unit during peak season, said the officer.

Currently, 63 per cent of the state’s power requirements are met by renewable sources of energy, including hydro-power, solar and wind.