Bengaluru: Karnataka, renowned as India’s technological and industrial hub, is grappling with an acute power crisis stemming from diminished energy production and surging demand. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently chaired a high-level meeting with Energy Minister K J George and state power department officials to devise strategies for acquiring additional electricity to alleviate the situation.
The root cause of the problem is a crippling energy deficit ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 megawatts (MW), primarily attributed to insufficient rainfall. Confirming the gravity of the electricity shortage, K J George explained that this dire situation has arisen due to an upsurge in energy demand, coupled with a significant drop in supply, a consequence of an unimpressive monsoon season.
In response to this looming crisis, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the issue by procuring electricity from both internal and external sources.
Siddaramaiah stated, “Electricity generation has dwindled, while the demand has skyrocketed. This situation is a direct result of a rainfall deficit, worsened by increased demand, much like the peak requirements experienced during the summer months. Currently, the consumption demand stands at 15,000-16,000 MW, a significant leap from the 9,000 to 10,000 MW witnessed during the same period last year. This disparity has presented significant challenges.”
In response to these pressing circumstances, Siddaramaiah has initiated discussions with the state’s energy department officials to explore options for securing additional power from external sources. He added, “We have also recently issued an order mandating that power generators within the state must supply power to the government. We are committed to purchasing power from various sources to address this pressing issue.”
Amidst these challenging conditions, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) and the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) have announced scheduled power cuts in various areas of Bengaluru, which will be in effect until October 15. These power outages are necessary for maintenance work and will result in temporary disconnections of power supply between 10 am and 5 pm.
The power crisis has triggered protests among farmers in the districts of Chitradurga and Chamarajanagar, who have taken to the streets to express their discontent with load shedding.
In Chitradurga, farmers held a demonstration in front of the local electricity supply office, demanding a consistent 7-hour supply of electricity to support their agricultural activities. Meanwhile, a similar protest was staged in front of the DC office in Chamarajanagar, reflecting the widespread impact of the power shortage on the agricultural community.
On the coastal front, residents are complaining about excessive load shedding. Various professionals such as automobile painters and welders have voiced their frustration over power cuts disrupting their scheduled business operations.
As Karnataka grapples with this severe power crisis, it remains to be seen how swiftly the government’s efforts to secure additional electricity sources will alleviate the hardships faced by the state’s residents. While the restoration of normalcy is crucial, questions also arise about the potential impact of the ‘Gruha Jyothi’ freebie on this crisis. (eom)