Karnataka Scales Up Power Supply by 3,000 MW Amid Outages in Bengaluru
Amid ongoing complaints of power disruptions across Bengaluru neighbourhoods such as Rajajinagar and HAL, the Karnataka Energy Department has scaled up power supply by more than 3,000 MW. The additional load is being met through thermal power, allocations from the central grid, and procurement from independent power generators.
According to the State Load Dispatch Centre, statewide power demand stood at 298 million units (MU) on September 30, falling from earlier peaks of 340 MU recorded in early and mid-September following recent rainfall. Energy Department officials noted that recent disruptions were not due to widespread load-shedding, but rather localized issues including overloading, line clearance, and day-long maintenance work at substations.
However, residents across Bengaluru reported significant daily disruptions. In Rajajinagar, resident Girijamma stated that power was unavailable from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for two straight days, disrupting work-from-home routines, with department helplines citing substation maintenance. Near HAL, an apartment resident noted that power failures had been rampant over recent days despite official reassurances, forcing complexes to rely continuously on generator backups.
Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary for the Energy Department, said electricity demand spiked by 30% in September due to the impact of El Niño, prompting the 3,000 MW augmentation. He stated that another 1,000 MW will become available from November 1 as the state ceases returning power previously borrowed from northern states. Additionally, 230 MW has been arranged in advance from other generators, 236 MW has been allocated from the central pool's Eastern Grid, and an October 1 Section 11 central notification is expected to free up more exchange power.
Minister for Energy K.J. George said the state had already procured 2,000 MW of thermal power in recent months and is exploring power exchange arrangements with Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. He added that annual maintenance for KPCL thermal units has been aligned to keep units operational, coal stocks remain adequate, and power banking with northern states will be utilized starting in November.
To address long-term stability, the department is also expanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Current projects include 500 MW/1,000 MWh under KPTCL, a 250 MW solar project paired with 1,100 MWh of storage at Pavagada Solar Park, and a 900 MWh storage initiative split between Kushtagi and Huliyurdurga.
