Karnataka stares at power crisis in next 20 days

Bengaluru, Apr 25: Drastic depletion of water in Karnataka's reservoirs is set to hit power generation, making the state vulnerable in the simmering summer.

According to Bescom and KPTCL officials, the hydel reservoirs in the state will last for just 20 days while thermal generation stations, already under stress, are also staring at depleting water levels in their reservoirs.

Bengaluru needs 2400-2500 MW, which is 49% of the total power generated in the state. Bescom is already facing a shortage of 100-150 MW because of damage to an underground cable. Bescom and KPTCL are striving to fix the problem. Officials said it could take another 10 to 15 days to restore the underground cable. Every day, Bescom is receiving about 2,500 complaints, mostly from Bengaluru, because of the technical snag.

But the bigger challenge for both the companies will be to manage the power demand and supply in wake of water crises. “The water (for power generation) in the dams will last only for 20 days. About 1200 MW is generated from Sharavathi and Linganamakki, of which 1000 MW is from Sharavathi. If these stop, then there will be power crisis in Bengaluru and state. We are waiting for rains,” the official said.

Recently, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar admitted before the media that unless there is rainfall, there will be power crises in the wake of water shortage across the state.

However, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) K Ravi Kumar maintained that there will be no power crisis in the city and state. “We have water to manage till June 15. There is water for drinking and also power generation. Water supply is stopped for irrigation. In case of thermal stations too, there is no problem as water will be released from Tungabhadra and Narayanapura dams,'' he maintained.