Karnataka has sold power worth ₹423 crore to national grid so far this fiscal: Minister

Bengaluru: Minister for Energy and Tourism, KJ George, recently announced that the Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL), a subsidiary under the Karnataka Energy Department, has successfully sold power worth ₹423 crore to the national grid at Rs 9.08 paise per unit.

This measure, he said, marks a major step towards optimising power and showcases the state’s growing leadership in the energy sector.

“We have sold power during the (April-June 8, 2026 period) and managed the summer very successfully using energy optimization protocols. In the meantime, we have also purchased low-cost power during daytime and in the evening, generated excess power from hydro, thermal, and other sources, which we sold to the national grid,” he mentioned.

Monsoon preparedness

The Energy Department has intensified monsoon preparedness to ensure rapid restoration of power following rain- and wind-related damage.

To date, Electricity Supply Companies are believed to have replaced 33,400 poles, 1,441 transformers, and 343.56 km of power lines, while maintaining a robust workforce of 20,012 regular linemen, supplemented by 4,883 specially hired monsoon gangmen.

Essential material stocks have been kept at high levels for swift deployment, including 99,530 poles and 12,733 transformers, enabling faster response and minimising outage duration across the state, George said.

Power demand and consumption

Highlighting the state’s evolving power dynamics, George shared key statistics on energy demand and consumption over the last three fiscal years.

In the 2023-24 fiscal, the state reached a peak demand of 18,478 MU, with total consumption of 10,451 MU, marking a 19 percent year-on-year increase. This was followed by the 2024-25 period, which recorded a peak demand of 17,682 MU and a total consumption of 9,324 MU, registering a substantial 28 percent year-on-year increase.

Most recently, for the current fiscal to June 8, peak demand stands at 13,904 MW, with consumption reaching 2,103 MU, reflecting steady 14 percent year-on-year growth.

Power generation

The Minister also affirmed that the state was strong in power generation and said total power from Thermal, Hydro, Gas, Solar, Wind, and Waste-to-Energy sources reached 38,041 MU in 2025-26.

“The projection for 2026-27 is 38,205 MU. This shows the department’s steady progress in strengthening Karnataka’s power supply, expanding capacity, and ensuring a reliable energy future,” he added.