Bengaluru, Jan 3 (NationPress) Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George on Friday instructed the Department officials to take necessary actions and devise all remedial strategies to prevent electricity supply disruptions during the forthcoming summer season.

The Energy Minister conducted a three-hour meeting with officials from the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL), the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL), and the Power Company of Karnataka Ltd (PCKL), where the discussions revolved around electricity generation, procurement, and transmission.

"In addition to ensuring proper electricity supply, measures must be implemented to enhance power generation when required to eliminate any discrepancies between demand and supply," he stated.

The Minister further discussed the KPCL's thermal power plants with officials, emphasizing that last summer, these facilities achieved an impressive average generation of 3,600 megawatts.

He urged that this summer, efforts should be made to exceed this record, stating: "We must generate more electricity and establish a new standard. All production units should be fully prepared."

Upon discovering that several production units at the Raichur, Yermarus, and Bellary thermal power plants were inactive, the Minister directed the officials to set a deadline for addressing annual maintenance and minor technical issues of the plants. He emphasized ensuring that all units, except one unit of RTPS, are ready for full-scale power generation by February 2025.

The emphasis should transition from purchasing electricity from other states to prioritizing power exchange. Immediate discussions need to be initiated with neighboring states to finalize agreements for this purpose, George stated.

Furthermore, considering the elevated costs associated with short-term electricity procurement, priority should be given to obtaining long-term contracts at reduced rates. This strategy will facilitate the sale of excess electricity at higher rates during peak hours, effectively alleviating the financial burden, the Minister added.

"With the rise in solar power generation, electricity should be allocated to agricultural pump sets during the daytime. Thermal and hydropower plants should concentrate on generating electricity for nighttime use as much as possible. This tactic will help ensure no gap between demand and supply," he concluded.

Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Gaurav Gupta, KPTCL Managing Director Pankaj Kumar Pandey, PCKL Managing Director Lokhande Snehal Sudhakar, KPCL's Director, Finance, R. Nagaraj, and Director, Technical, S. Krishnamurthy, along with other officials, participated in the meeting.