A study commissioned by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has shown that the state will face energy shortage of between 14-23 per cent in the next five years even after taking upcoming power projects into account.
The study projects that the demand for electricity will grow from about 66,835 million units (MU) during the current year to 1,10,765 MU by 2021-22. The shortage can be controlled between 11-20 per cent if power supply is restricted to six hours for irrigation, 12 hours in rural areas and 23-24 hours in major cities.
“We met the CM recently to discuss these issues and he has responded positively to our recommendations. Officials have been directed to work out the details of implementing the recommendations under a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary,” said M R Sreenivasa Murthy, Chairman, KERC.
Recommendations
The KERC, in its recommendations, has said that the plant load factor (PLF) of thermal power stations like BTPS and RTPS must be increased to a minimum of 80 per cent from the current PLF (ratio of the actual output of a power plant over a period of time) of less than 70 per cent. Also recommended is a target for reduction in transmission and distribution losses.