In a proactive move to avert any electricity crisis, the Karnataka government has issued strict instructions to all Electricity Supply Companies (Escoms) to implement comprehensive measures guaranteeing uninterrupted and adequate power across the state during the upcoming peak summer months, with a firm directive to avoid load shedding under any circumstances.
Proactive Planning for Anticipated Demand Spike
Energy Minister KJ George chaired a high-level review meeting in Bengaluru on Friday, assessing summer preparedness and the projected energy demand for the coming months. Officials indicated that the state's power demand is expected to rise by approximately 5 per cent during the summer of 2026. Minister George emphasized the critical need for advance planning in power generation and procurement to seamlessly balance the seasonal spike anticipated in March, April, and May.
"If we begin preparations now, neither generation nor transmission will pose any difficulty during the peak summer period," George stated. He directed the Escoms to assess the projected summer demand meticulously and initiate all necessary arrangements well in advance, including exploring options like power banking.
Harnessing a Balanced Energy Mix
The minister outlined a strategic approach to leverage Karnataka's diverse energy portfolio. He highlighted the state's strong solar generation potential during summer, directing that solar energy should be optimally utilised during daytime hours. To complement this, hydroelectric and coal-based thermal generation should be ramped up during night hours to ensure a balanced and reliable 24x7 power supply.
Senior officials from the Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) briefed the minister that, based on current reservoir levels, the state can generate around 33 million units (MU) of hydroelectricity per day until July 2026. Furthermore, thermal power units at Raichur, Yeramarus, and Ballari are undergoing overhaul to ensure they are ready for extended and additional generation during the critical summer period.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Exploring All Options
Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Gaurav Gupta pointed out that alongside generation planning, strengthening the transmission infrastructure is equally critical. He urged officials to identify locations with increased load immediately and initiate steps to address technical constraints, including reinforcing the link system.
Minister George also advised exploring all avenues for power procurement. Referring to past arrangements, he said power could be procured through exchanges or long-term purchase agreements as needed. He specifically emphasized entering into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with sugar factories possessing co-generation facilities to tap into the power generated during the crushing season.
"If surplus power is available, we should explore the possibility of selling it to other states. However, under no circumstances should Karnataka face a power shortage," the minister cautioned officials. This statement comes on the back of the state successfully meeting its highest-ever power demand of 17,220 MW in December 2025 without any load shedding.
George also noted the positive impact of the KUSUM-C scheme, which has solarised several agricultural feeders, enabling 7 hours of daytime power to irrigation pump sets. He directed that this benefit be extended, leveraging peak summer solar generation to provide 7 hours of 3-phase daytime power to IP sets in other parts of the state as well.
