With rising temperatures, the demand for power is also scaling up in Karnataka (File Photo | ANI)
Karnataka

Power demand, usage surge with mercury in Karnataka

Bangalore Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (Bescom), which contributes 50 per cent of the state’s power economy, also saw a rise in power consumption.

Bosky Khanna

BENGALURU: With rising temperatures, the demand for power is also scaling up. The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) is recording a rise in power demand from January-end, as in the previous years.

On January 30, 2026, the state recorded peak power consumption of 321.53 million units (MU) at 9.54 am, and 326.78MU at 10.19am on February 9. During the same period, the state recorded a peak in power generation, with 16,791MW and 16,901MW respectively.

Bangalore Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (Bescom), which contributes 50 per cent of the state’s power economy, also saw a rise in power consumption. On January 30, Bescom recorded a peak in power consumption, with 154.02MU. Another peak was touched on February 5, when Bescom recorded consumption of 153.39MU.

“The demand for electricity is rising in the residential and commercial sector. While temperatures are cool during the evenings, daytime temperatures have started soaring gradually. To ensure there are no power cuts, continuous reports from each division are being obtained. Maintenance of power lines and grids has also intensified. The target is to complete all works before March-end,” said a senior energy department official.

“Compared to previous years, demand has not shot up significantly. We don’t want to be caught unawares. A team has been dedicated to study the graphs and keep track of weather systems to address any line maintenance issues,” the official added.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, there is a gradual rise in day temperatures, coupled with dry spells. However, the minimum temperature continues to be below normal in most parts of Karnataka.

Based on real-time IMD data, minimum temperatures range between 11 and 15 degree Celsius over most parts of north interior Karnataka, including Bidar, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri and Raichur.

In case of south interior Karnataka, minimum temperatures are 15-18 degree Celsius, including Hassan, Davangere, Mandya, Shivamogga, Bengaluru, Chitradurga and Mysuru. The minimum temperature is 14-19 degree Celsius in parts of north interior Karnataka, including Belagavi, Koppal and Kalaburagi.

Trump says change in power in Iran ‘would be best thing that could happen’

Nikhil Gupta pleads guilty in US court over alleged plot targeting Pannun

First half of Parliament Budget session ends; focus shifts to March 9 for no-confidence motion, key debates

BJP 'Singham' whose roar has faded: What went wrong for Annamalai in Tamil Nadu?

Tarique Rahman spent 17 years in exile. He is now poised to lead Bangladesh

SCROLL FOR NEXT