No load-shedding for now, says K.J. George

Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George stated on Sunday that Karnataka is currently not facing a load-shedding situation and does not require immediate power cuts, despite a shortage of approximately 1,000 MW. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, George explained that the Energy Department has been managing the electricity situation by procuring additional power from neighboring states, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, over the past six to eight months.

He emphasized that there is no need for load-shedding at present, but if demand increases further, the issue will be discussed with the Chief Minister and the Cabinet, and a decision will be made accordingly.

George acknowledged that several states are also experiencing power shortages due to poor monsoon conditions. He noted that while Karnataka can obtain 500 MW from other states, they often receive only 50 or 100 MW. Additionally, the Raichur thermal plant is undergoing repairs, and reduced generation from renewable energy sources due to cloudy weather and lower wind speeds have contributed to the shortage. However, the minister assured that they are managing the situation.

The demand for electricity is rising, and George admitted to a power supply issue for two days, during which irrigation pump sets received only six hours of power instead of the scheduled seven hours. He indicated that the full seven-hour supply would soon be restored. Responding to speculation about former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah distancing himself from his close confidants, George stated that Siddaramaiah would speak when he chooses and denied any attempt to separate him from his connections.

He clarified that he is close to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and had been close to other former Chief Ministers, including Siddaramaiah, Bangarappa, Veerendra Patil, and Gundu Rao, and suggested that this question should be directed to Siddaramaiah himself.