Despite shortage, minister promises zero power cut during exam time

BENGALURU: Will energy minister D K Shivakumar keep his promise of zero power cuts during the examination season or break it like last year? Shivakumar assured the assembly on Friday that though Karnataka is facing a shortage of 1,400 MW, the government will ensure continuous supply during March-May (examination time).
“By April 2015, the shortfall in power is expected to be around 800MW, but we will ensure that students don't suffer because of this during the exam time.All the power generating units have been told to work more to enhance the productivity. Farmers will be requested to use irrigation pump sets more during non-peak hours,” Shivakumar said in reply to a query raised by K Gopalaiah (JDS).
The minister gave a similar reply in May 2014, but barely two weeks after that power cuts and load shedding were introduced citing dip in power generation. It’s just not Shivakumar, but his predecessors, including BJP’s Shobha Karandlaje, had come up with similar promises only to break them.
The energy department is working towards providing 22-24 hours power supply in cities, seven hours of supply in three phases in the rural areas and single phase from 6 pm to 6 am. “Around 1,500 MW will be purchased under the medium term power purchase agreement, and 500 MW, 150 MW and 250 MW under short term agreements,’’ Shivakumar said.
Giving details of the steps being taken to improve power generation in the state and become self reliant, he said the state gets 700 MW from Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) third unit (3) and 1,600 MW from Yermarus project.
Sell solar power to Escoms
Those setting up solar power plants on rooftops (residences, commercial complexes and colleges among others) will be allowed to sell surplus power generated by them for Rs 9.56 per unit to Escoms (Electricity Supply Companies) without subsidy, Shivakumar said while giving details about solar power generation initiatives taken by the government in reply to a question by Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli (BJP).