DHNS

Bangalore, Nov 25: The State government is exploring the possibility of buying power from private co-generation units to mitigate the power crisis in the State, Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of a BJP conclave in Bangalore, he said he had already held two round of talks with the co-generation units in the State. Nearly 19 of the 52 sugar mills in Karnataka have a combined capacity to produce 412 MW.

However, most of these unit are selling power to private companies due to low price realisation from the State government.

The State in now planning to buy 200 MW at revised rates, he said, a clear picture would emerge in the next two weeks. The State was also trying to tap wind energy to its full potential, he said.

1500 MW shortfall

He said it would take at least 15 months to make up the shortfall of 1500 MW in power suppy in the state. Presently, the demand is 10,200 MW but the generating capacity in the state is only 8,500 MW, the minister said.

The shortfall could be met after the completion of RTPS 8th unit and second unit at the Bellary thermal power plant, he said

Delegation to Delhi

Eshwarappa said he will meet Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday to push for the 4,000 MW ultra power plant at Kudgi in Bijapur. He said that though the Centre allots a total of 1,550 MW for the State, only 1,000 MW is supplied at present. The issue would also be taken up during the meeting. 
The State government and National Thermal Power Corporation will sign a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the next 30 days, for setting up a 2000 MW coal based project in the State. A meeting with NTPC Chairman has also been scheduled during the Delhi visit.

Agitation

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the state government will be left with no option but to launch an agitation against the Centre if it fails to provide the state’s share of power.