BENGALURU: Energy and Tourism Minister K J George on Wednesday announced that the Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL), a subsidiary under the Energy Department, has successfully sold power worth Rs 423 crore to the national grid at Rs 9.08 paise per unit. This measure marks a major step towards optimising power and showcases the state’s growing leadership in the energy sector, a press release said.
A meeting was on Wednesday held at Belaku Bhavna after assuming charge of Minister of Energy and Tourism. “We have sold power during the April-June 8, 2026, period and managed the summer very successfully using the energy optimisation. In the mean time we have also purchased low-cost power during the daytime and in the evening generated excess power from hydro, thermal and other sources, which we sold to the national grid. This is a great step to optimisation of power, and Energy Department achievements reflect Karnataka’s strategic focus on efficient power generation, grid management, and energy market participation”, Energy Minister K J George said.
The Energy Department has intensified monsoon preparedness to ensure rapid restoration of power following rain- and wind-related damage. Till date, ESCOMs have replaced 33,400 poles, 1,441 transformers and 343.56 km of power lines, while maintaining a 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.
Highlighting the state’s evolving power dynamics, Minister George shared key statistics on energy demand and consumption over the last three fiscal years. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the state reached a peak demand of 18,478 MU, with total consumption of 10,451 MU, marking a 19 per cent 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 per cent year-on-year increase. Most recently, for the current fiscal year to June 8, peak demand stands at 13,904 MW, with consumption reaching 2,103 MU, reflecting steady 14 per cent year-on-year growth.
George said the state is strong in power generation. Total power from thermal, hydro, gas, solar, wind, and waste-to-energy sources reached 38,041 MU in 2025-26 while the projection for 2026-27 is 38,205 MU. This shows the Energy Department’s steady progress in strengthening Karnataka’s power supply, expanding capacity, and ensuring a reliable energy future.
Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Gaurav Gupta; KPTCL Managing Director Ram Prasath Manohar; Bescom Managing Director Dr N Shivashankar IAS; PCKL Managing Director Kothandpani; KREDL Managing Director KP Rudrappiah; Managing Directors of other ESCOMS; and other department officials attended the meeting.
