A day after announcing four-hour load shedding, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), under pressure from consumers, appears to be trying to reduce the time period.
Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday expressed hope that the four hours would be reduced to three “any time soon”. He has pinned hopes on supply of 600 MW from two units of Udupi Thermal Power Corporation Limited, which are expected to start in a day or two.
He also hoped that attempts by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) to procure electricity from various sources would improve the situation in other parts of the State too.
The government has appealed to Union Energy Minister Piyush Goyal to release 1,600 MW from the Centre’s unallocated share. “We are hoping for a positive response.”
Street lightsMr. Shivakumar said his department is working out a “master plan” to ease the power crisis. Pointing out that two per cent of power is used for street lighting, he said steps would be taken to switch them on only between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Streets would be lit every alternate hour. “Linemen will be responsible for alternating power supply for street lights,” he said.
Officials have been asked to act against those drawing power without permission during Ganesh festival. “Anyone who wants to complain about such illegal acts can call 1912,” he said.
Section 11 to be invokedThe government is planning to invoke Section 11 of the Electricity Act, which makes it mandatory for power generating companies to supply to only State-owned electricity companies. “This will bring in an additional 200 MW,” he said.
No problem for hospitalsESCOMs have been directed to ensure 24x7 supply to all hospitals and drinking water installations. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Managing Director, Bescom, said, “Four-hour uninterrupted power supply is assured for drinking water installations.”
