Karnataka battles serious power shortage, takes help from other states
Except for the last two weeks in July, the monsoon was highly in deficit for August and September, leading to low storage in major hydro dams in the state.
Karnataka is facing an acute shortage of 1,500-2,000 MW as it battles the high demand for power caused by poor rainfall.
According to the Energy department, Karnataka has been hit by an unexpected demand of more than 15,000 MW in October. Energy available for the current year has been reduced by some 3,000 million units or 4 per cent of the state’s annual demand.
Deficit rainfall has increased demand for agricultural irrigation pump loads as farmers started using the pump sets earlier than normally, the department said in a note. Except for the last two weeks in July, the monsoon was highly in deficit for August and September. This has resulted in low storage in major hydro dams in the state.
Karnataka recorded a peak demand of 16,950 MW and energy consumption of 294 MUs on August 25.
Scanty rains
The state's highest demand in August 2022 was only 11,268 MW. The highest consumption in the same month last year was only 208 MU. Scanty rainfall in September led to some respite in demand for power. But the state again faced an increased demand of more than 15,000 MW in October.
"The state is facing a daily shortfall of 40-50 MU," the note said.
In the process, there is heavy dependence on thermal sources to meet the demand. In October, renewable energy (wind and solar) generation reduced considerably.
Many coal mines from where the state receives coal for thermal power plants have supplied wet coals due to rains to Karnataka Power Corp Ltd, resulting in frequent breakdown of plants.
"All the above adverse circumstances have led to the state facing acute shortage of approximately 1,500-2,000 MW," the note said.
To mitigate the shortfall, power purchases are made through Day-Ahead-Market (DAM) and Real-Time-Market (RTM).
Other states
The state has negotiated for swapping of power from Uttar Pradesh during the pre-solar and post-solar hours to an extent of 300 to 600 MW from October 2023 to May 2024.
This power is to be returned to Uttar Pradesh from June to September 2024.
A similar swapping arrangement has been finalised with Punjab for a quantum of 500 MW of Round-The- Clock (RTC) power from November 2023 to May 2024.
The department has urged consumers to save energy and help it tide over "this temporary phase of shortage".
(With agency inputs)
