K'taka to spend Rs 30000 cr to improve power supply

Karnataka has proposed to spend more than Rs 30,000 crore over the next five years to improve power scenario, both production and distribution, by raising loans.

State energy minister H D Revanna told reporters here on Wednesday that all government-owned companies engaged in power generation, transmission and distribution, have submitted separate plans to improve power supply in the state.

"The state has cleared all these proposals. It will be the responsibility of each entity to raise funds and implement the proposals," he added.

The Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) has proposed to add 4,000 Mw to the state grid at an estimated investment of Rs 15,000 crore.

"The KPCL has proposed several thermal and hydel power projects. It will add 1,500 Mw to the state grid over the next 36 months with an investment of Rs 5,000 crore. Work on some of the projects has already commenced," Revanna stated.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) proposal to improve system (power lines and upgrading of feeder stations) at an estimated cost of Rs 3,000 crore. The KPTCL's overall spending on system improvement is estimated at Rs 5,000 crore.

The five electricity supply companies (Escoms) have been asked to reduce the transmission and distribution losses (from the existing 29 per cent to 14 per cent) by improving the system, the minister said.

The Escoms have submitted separate proposals (combined investment of Rs 10,000 crore) for reducing transmission and distribution losses. "Last year, the five Escoms collected Rs 15 crore penalty from those engaged in power theft," Revanna said.