There will be no load-shedding in Karnataka from Friday due to decrease in demand for electricity and increase in power generation in hydroelectric projects, Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar said.
"With demand lowering in winter and generation from hydroelectric sources going up, Karnataka has withdrawn load-shedding across the state," Shivakumar said.
He assured of round-the-clock power supply to urban areas from New Year, adding that electricity will be supplied for six to seven hours daily for running pumpsets for irrigation.
Compared with demand of 9,800 megawatt, there is a shortfall of 1,800 MW in the state, which Karnataka aims to bridge by using it hydropower resources beginning Friday.
Hydel power generation can reach up to 1,000 MW, which can be supplemented by purchase of additional 1,300 MW, said Shivakumar.
To bridge the shortfall, nearly 168 MW will be obtained from Damodar Valley from January 1 and another 300 MW from April 1.
Other sources of electricity include Kudankulam nuclear plant (221 MW) in Tamil Nadu from mid-January and Yermarus thermal power plant (700 MW) in Karnataka by January-end, he said.
