Rains Reduce Demand for Electricity in Karnataka Upto 2000 MW

Bengaluru: Electricity demand in Karnataka has come down significantly following sufficient rainfall activities in the most of the districts during the current monsoon season. As of now electricity demand has recorded a decline of 1500 megawatt (MW) to 2000 MW per day.

Generally, the state consumes 9000 MW electricity per day in October, however as of now, the state has an electricity demand of 7000 MW per day, said Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) Director Nagesh.  

Electricity consumption has come down in the state as a result of steep decline in the use of pump sets for irrigation as almost all lakes, rivers, wells and other water sources stored with sufficient water reducing the demand for power.

Recent rains have given a big relief to the state energy department as the state government had planned earlier to purchase electricity from outside Karnataka starting September 2017 to May 2018 to put an end to power crisis in the state.

During the first two weeks of August 2017, electricity demand in Karnataka had reached 9000 MW per day and following sufficient showers, electricity demand came down significantly at the end of the same month.

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) will purchase electricity from outside state only after considering present electricity demand, water storage level, electricity production from thermal power plants and others. The KERC is expected to purchase electricity only until May 31, 2018.