Bengaluru: With Karnataka staring at the possibility of drought due to a weak southwest monsoon triggered by rapidly developing El Niño conditions, chief minister D K Shivakumar on Friday directed the energy department to prepare a special emergency power management plan to safeguard the state’s electricity supply against a likely drop in hydel power generation and rapidly rising demand.Chairing his first comprehensive review meeting of the energy department after assuming office, Shivakumar sought details on the state’s preparedness to tackle a rain-deficit year and instructed officials to initiate preventive measures well in advance to avoid any disruption in power supply. Expressing concern over the likely impact of poor rainfall on reservoir levels and hydroelectric generation, the chief minister directed officials to diversify power sources, maintain adequate coal reserves and operationalise govt-allotted coal mines to strengthen the state’s energy security.He also stressed the need to prepare for the surge in electricity demand from emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and Karnataka’s expanding digital economy. “We are the IT capital of the country. Along with that, we are moving towards becoming the AI capital as well. Preparations must begin immediately to meet the growing power demand from data centres, AI infrastructure and other digital industries,” Shivakumar said.Energy department officials informed the chief minister that Karnataka’s current power reserve position is healthier than it was during the corresponding period last year and that the state has successfully avoided power cuts over the past three years. In his response, Shivakumar directed officials to expedite the implementation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) to improve renewable energy integration and ensure greater grid stability in the face of uncertain weather conditions.Energy minister KJ George informed the meeting that while the Gruha Jyothi free electricity scheme has not imposed any financial burden on the utilities, pending dues of nearly Rs 12,631 crore from various govt departments have strained the finances of the Escoms. He urged the govt to either clear the outstanding dues at the earliest or explore securitisation to improve the utilities’ cash flow.Observing that the state spends nearly Rs 22,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies for agricultural pump sets, the chief minister called for accelerated implementation of irrigation pump solarisation, replacement of inefficient pump sets and other demand-side management measures to curb electricity consumption. With Karnataka’s peak power demand projected to touch 38 GW by 2035, Shivakumar directed officials to prepare a long-term roadmap to augment generation capacity, backed by a financing strategy to meet future requirements.He also asked the department to expedite implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to secure central assistance for distribution reforms, ensure transparent and time-bound installation of smart meters, strengthen the transmission network to accommodate rising renewable energy capacity, and fast-track transmission projects by resolving land acquisition, right-of-way and statutory clearance issues.The review meeting also focused on improving the financial health of Escoms through better liquidity management, minimising renewable energy curtailment by strengthening transmission infrastructure, securing long-term coal supplies, and rapidly expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure with corresponding upgrades to the state’s power grid.
