The members stormed into the well protesting Energy Minister D K Shivakumar's refusal for a House Committee inquiry, that led to adjournment of the House amid din for some time.
Raising the issue during a debate on the power situation, former Chief Minister and JDS Floor Leader H D Kumaraswamy alleged that over Rs 1,327 crore was spent to purchase 41,821 Million Units power in 2008-09, a drastic rise from Rs 28.51 crore in 2007-08.
Shivakumar countered it, saying Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Authority decides on the purchase of power and the process is tendered. "Power purchase depends on demand."
Basavarajraya Reddy, a ruling party legislator,reiterated his demand for a white paper on the power situation.
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Earlier in his reply, Shivakumar said the government is committed to provide required power to farmers.
On obstacles in setting up power generating units, the minister urged farmers, protesting against the Kudgi thermal power generating unit in Bijapur district, to withdraw the stir and cooperate with the government. The Kudgi plant would generate 2,000 MW at a lower price, he added.
"We have an agreement with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL).If we don't start purchasing from them, we have to face the music," he said.
The power plant will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Dabhol Gas pipeline.
He also said government has asked Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd to set up a gas-based plant in Yelahanka.
Shivakumar said Bangalore needs a dedicated power supply station, for which the government has floated an Expression of Interest to set up a 250 MW power station some 150 km away from here.