The power-starved Karnataka has proposed to buy close to 2,000 Mw of power from independent power producers in the country to overcome power shortage in the state. The state government intends to buy power on both medium term and long term basis under case-1 bidding process of ministry of power, government of India.
Power Company of Karnataka Ltd (PCKL), a Karnataka government undertaking engaged in power generation and distribution across the state, on behalf of five distribution licensees has invited bids for procurement of power. The request for proposal document will be issued to bidders up to September 30.
The state proposes to purchase 475 Mw power in the medium term, for up to seven years, and 1,500 Mw power on a long term basis for up to 25 years, official sources said.
Presently, Karnataka, which is reeling under power crisis, has an installed capacity for power from all sources, including a central share of about 8,500 Mw. There is still a shortage of about 2,400 Mw. Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) draws around 1,543 Mw power from the Central grid as its share. This includes around 100 Mw from the Kaiga Nuclear plant, Neyveli, Ramagundam and Talcher. It also buys 81.3 Mw from Tata Power and another 28.3 Mw from Rayalseema Alkalies and Chemicals. During the peak hour the state requires an average of 6,500 Mw of power.
Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, another state-owned company, is the only public sector power generator in the state presently.
It has a capacity to generate 5,739 Mw, of which hydro power accounts for 3,641 Mw and thermal 1,970 Mw.
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Earlier this year, PCKL signed an MoU with the NTPC for developing a 4,000 Mw mega power project at Kudgi in Bijapur district. As per of the MoU, NTPC will set up its maiden 4,000 Mw super thermal power project in two stages.
From January to May this year, the state government purchased power from various private players including cogeneration sugar mills, GMR Energy Ltd, JSW Energy Ltd among others at a price varying from Rs 6.50 to 9 per unit.