Peak hour power cuts to go before January: DKS

Speaking to media persons after chairing a meeting of elected representatives of constituencies within BESCOM power supply limits, Mr Shivakumar said peak hour power cuts might go soon, but his department had set January as the deadline. Karnataka was expecting supply of electricity from southern states and had even floated short term tenders.

On November 6, he would attend all India power ministers’ conference in Kerala, and use the opportunity to request the government of that state to start supply of electricity, he added. Mr Shivakumar said at present, the state was facing shortage of 1800 MW, and authorities of the energy department were holding discussions with elected representatives from various regions in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Under CHESCOM and HESCOM, the department has decided to provide uninterrupted three phase power for seven hours on alternative days. In BESCOM region, there was mixed reaction and the department would take a decision in two days, he added.

Meanwhile, the government also decided to float tenders for producing 500 MW of solar power. “This will be reverse bidding. The department has identified 30-50 taluks, where private operators can set up solar power production units. The idea is that power should be produced regionally to reduce T&D losses. The bidders have to select locations in these taluks only,'' he added.