Power-starved Karnataka reaches out to electricity producers across the country

Reeling under a severe power crisis, which is threatening to worsen with the onset of summer, the Karnataka Government has reached out to power producers and traders throughout the country for supply of 4,000 MW of power to ease the situation.

The State Government’s power utility Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from power producers and traders throughout the country to supply power both on short-term and long-term basis. While the short-term suppliers should provide 1,500 MW of power, the long-term suppliers are expected to provide 2,500 MW.

KPTCL officials said the last date for submitting EoI for 1,500 MW and 2,500 MW of power is March 15 and March 27 respectively.

The Karnataka Government’s apparently desperate move to purchase power from producers across the country comes in the wake of the electricity consumption in the State soaring to 132 million units against the availability of 72 million units. Power consumption in Bangalore alone has touched 22 million units, which is four units more than its requirement two years ago.

Several parts of the State, including Bangalore, have been experiencing unscheduled power cuts during the last few days, creating hardships for not only the industry, but also the common man. With the annual examination season as well as the ICC World Cup Cricket 2007 also round the corner, the authorities of wary of a violent reaction from the consumers if electricity is shutdown.

Karnataka’s frantic search for power also comes at a time when almost the entire South India as well as Maharashtra is facing a severe shortage of power. Energy experts in Karnataka have ruled out the possibility of availability of surplus power in any part of South India.

However, energy expert K C Nayakwadi is of the opinion that there is availability of about 5,000 MW of power in north-eastern region of India and the same could be transmitted through West Bengal and Orissa to Karnataka via the Talcher (Orissa)-Kolar (Karnataka) power line.

The power purchased through this route will, however, take at least till May to begin arriving. It remains to be seen how the Government will tide over the power scarcity during the crucial months of March and April when the demand for electricity will peak.