Amid protests by farmers over inadequate supply of power and attack by the Opposition, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday held a review of the Energy Department and gave instructions to the MDs of electricity supply companies (Escoms) that electricity should be supplied to farmers continuously for five hours in three shifts every day and precautions should be taken to avoid load shedding.
The demand for power has increased significantly due to a severe drought situation in Karnataka, while electricity generation has reduced. But the government is trying to meet the increasing demand by purchasing power from both inside and outside the State, said the Chief Minister. An order has been issued asking those generating power in the State to supply it to the government.
“The consumption demand now is 15,000 MW to 16,000 MW as against 9,000 MW to 10,000 MW during the corresponding period last year, so this has led to power shortage,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said. “We issued an order recently that those generating power in the State should supply it to the government. We will purchase power and try to address the issue,” he said.
