The Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) has earned ₹423 crore by selling surplus electricity to the national grid between April and 8 June 2026, Karnataka Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George announced on Wednesday, 10 June. The minister described the achievement as a significant milestone in the state's push to optimise power generation and grid management.

How Karnataka Traded Its Surplus Power

Speaking after chairing a review meeting with senior Energy Department officials at Belaku Bhavana in Bengaluru — his first such review since assuming charge as Energy Minister — George said the state had successfully navigated summer demand through strategic energy trading.

"We purchased low-cost power during the daytime and generated excess electricity from hydro, thermal and other sources during peak periods, which was then sold to the national grid," he said. PCKL sold the surplus at an average rate of ₹9.08 per unit, generating the ₹423 crore in revenue.

Monsoon Preparedness: Infrastructure and Manpower

George also reviewed the department's readiness for the upcoming monsoon season, directing officials to ensure swift power restoration in the event of rain- or wind-related disruptions. Electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) across the state have already replaced 33,400 power poles, 1,441 transformers, and 343.56 kilometres of power lines as part of preventive measures.

To bolster emergency response, the department has deployed 20,012 regular linemen and 4,883 specially hired monsoon gangmen. Stockpiles of 99,530 poles and 12,733 transformers have been maintained to enable rapid restoration and minimise outages.

Karnataka's Electricity Demand: Three-Year Trend

The minister presented a three-year picture of the state's power consumption. In 2023–24, Karnataka recorded a peak demand of 17,220 MW and total consumption of 94,982 million units (MU), with a 24 per cent growth driven largely by drought conditions. In 2024–25, peak demand rose to 18,395 MW while consumption stood at 92,699 MU, a 2 per cent decline attributed to a favourable monsoon reducing power requirements.

In 2025–26, Karnataka recorded its highest-ever peak demand of 18,655 MW, with total consumption reaching 96,383 MU — a 4 per cent increase over the previous year.

Current Year Demand Surges on Weak Pre-Monsoon Rains

For the current financial year up to 8 June 2026, the state has already logged a peak demand of 18,477 MW and consumption of 21,789 MU. Consumption during this period has grown by 22.39 per cent compared to the same period last year, largely due to the failure of pre-monsoon rains, which significantly elevated electricity demand ahead of the season.

With Karnataka's grid now demonstrating both commercial agility and operational resilience, the focus shifts to whether the state can sustain this surplus-trading model as monsoon patterns remain unpredictable.