RAICHUR: Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), managing director, Kumar Nayak, admitted that there is a massive shortage of coal.

Karnataka government has decided to purchase 750 Mw from private power generation companies, Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje said on Tuesday. Tenders would be issued soon inviting private companies to supply power to the state grid, she told reporters here. The power supply situation would be grim if the state did not get bountyful spells of rains in the remaining days of the monsoon, Karandlaje said.

Linganamakki hydel reservoir at present has of about 30 tmcft compared to the storage level of 80 tmcft during the corresponding period of last year. Presently, hydel plants generate 2500 Mw daily.

Bellary Thermal Plant may become operational in May second week

Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje has said the State will purchase 990 MW of power to meet the demand during summer. The State is finding it difficult to purchase more power because of lack of corridors to evacuate electricity.

Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje has sought intervention of the Union Government to tackle the power crisis in the State.
Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Karandlaje said the Centre should take steps for supply of coal to Karnataka through alternative routes. Coal supply from Singareni Collieries has come to a standstill due to the Telangana stir in Andhra Pradesh.

The Power Minister said that the power tariff will not be hiked in near future. We do not want to burden people. Though Escoms have filed tariff revision applications before KERC, the Government will not approve any hike, he stated.

BELLARY: The greenfield Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS) may get a third generating unit if the Union Government clears a proposal in this regard by Karnataka.

Subhash Chandra N S, Bangalore, DH News Service:
The cost of transporting coal to Indian shores has come down by almost 70 per cent. "Earlier, the shipping cost from Indonesia was rupees one lakh, but now they are ready to transport it for just Rs 30,000," informed Rao.