Karnataka farmers to get 7 hours three-phase power supply

Electricity shortage is likely to aggravate during coming months, says Minister

January 24, 2014 11:10 am | Updated June 04, 2016 01:36 pm IST - BANGALORE:

Minister for Energy D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday announced in the Legislative Council that the government will extend the duration of three-phase power supply to farmers from six hours to seven hours with immediate effect.

The announcement comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections amidst shortage of power as admitted by the Minister himself. Responding to Allama Prabhu Patil on shortage of power in the State, Mr. Shivakumar said the supply during January 2014 has been 8,600 MW as against daily demand of 10,334 MW. Mr. Shivakumar added that the shortage is likely to aggravate during the coming months.

Mr. Patil questioned the rationale behind purchasing power from outside and said it gives an impression of ‘golmal’ (irregularities) in the purchase deal. When the reservoirs catering to the hydel power plants are full, why shouldn’t it be used to the fullest extent instead of reducing power production, he asked. Only if there was a need should power be purchased during the summer, he said. Mr. Shivakumar said the department has to be cautious about production as it has to ensure power supply during summer and the exam season. He said the power scenario in the State has been excellent and there is a possibility of many more industries entering the State.

Many members of the Opposition demanded the three-phase power supply to farmers should be provided during the day instead of at night. Besides losing their rest and sleep, many farmers have become victims of snakebite, members said. The Minister, however, said the electricity supply companies would take a call on the timing depending upon the local condition and requirement.

Responding to another question by B. Ramakrishna, Mr. Shivakumar said he has plans to increase the capacity of transformer banks in the State to ensure speedy replacement of faulty transformers and ensuring quick service to the public, he said.

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