Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS), a two-unit power station with an installed capacity of 1,600 MW (2x800), was dedicated to the State on Tuesday by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The power plant, built on Super Critical Technology, is technically owned by Raichur Power Corporation Ltd (RPCL), a joint venture of Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. and Industrial Finance Corporation of India.
Addressing a huge public gathering at district stadium here on Tuesday after the dedication, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar claimed that the power station was an important capacity addition to KPCL in its attempt to meet the State’s energy requirements.
“The previous BJP-led government in the State had laid the foundation stone for the project and simply forgot it. It is our government that provided Rs. 13,250 crore to complete the two-unit power station that has an installed capacity of 1,600 MW,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
‘Energy sufficient’
Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, earlier, claimed that Karnataka had become energy sufficient and managed to effectively cater to its energy needs even at the time of hydropower crisis caused by poor rainfall last year.
“Thanks to consecutive monsoon failures, our reservoir did not receive sufficient inflow of water. This adversely affected hydroelectricity generation last year. Yet, our thermal stations performed well to fill the gaps. Even in such critical times, we kept our word to provide free electricity to farmers’ irrigation pumpsets,” he said. He also announced that his government would provide free power to irrigation pumpsets for 12 hours a day in one stretch during daytime instead of fragmented periods spread through the day and night.
Mr. Shivakumar said that his government had taken a decision to rehabilitate 3,000 families that have been living on KPCL’s land. “We have decided to get good houses built for them.”
