No load-shedding in summer in interest of students, farmers, assures Bescom MD

BENGALURU: Keeping the interests of students and farmers in mind, the five electricity supply companies (Escoms) have decided to ensure that there is no load-shedding or power cuts for the next three months. The decision was taken at a meeting held on Monday, headed by Bescom MD Mahantesh Bilagi, who is also the power trading committee chairman for all Escoms.

Power demand is very high during summer since SSLC and PUC exams have started and farmers have requested the government to supply uninterrupted power during summer. So, a decision was taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the next three months, said Bescom MD Mahantesh Bilagi.

In a bid to meet the high electricity demand in the summer months, the Energy Department has instructed KPTCL and all Escoms to take necessary action. The Escoms have made a scientific study on power requirements for the next three months.

The Energy Department has ensured the availability of power and directed the KPTCL and Escoms to have constraint-free transmission and distribution network in their jurisdiction and not to resort to unscheduled load-shedding at any level of transmission and distribution, the Bescom MD stated.

All Escoms have been asked to ensure sufficient finances to purchase power in order to meet the demand during summer and also to be ready for any contingency that may arise at the state level, he said. The managing directors of all Escoms attended the meeting.

Bescom’s peak hour energy demand in summer

Bescom has estimated the peak hour energy demand for the next three months to be at an average of 7,600 megawatts of power per day during March, and noted that power consumption will likely record 132 million units in the same month. An average of 7,400 megawatts demand was recorded for 12 days in March.

In April, an average of 7,650 megawatts of power consumption is estimated and it is likely to reach 135 million units per day, a statement said.