Karnataka has intensified preparations to shield its power supply from the potential fallout of the El Nino weather phenomenon, with Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Gaurav Gupta chairing a high-level review meeting at BESCOM's corporate office, Belaku Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Thursday, 9 July. Officials across the state's electricity ecosystem were directed to formulate a comprehensive contingency strategy to ensure uninterrupted power supply under all weather conditions.

Why El Nino Threatens Karnataka's Power Grid

Gupta warned that deficient rainfall — a hallmark of El Nino years — could significantly curtail hydropower generation, which already accounts for a substantial share of Karnataka's electricity mix. He noted that hydropower output had already declined sharply this season due to inadequate monsoon rainfall, creating an immediate supply gap that requires bridging through alternate sources.

Compounding the challenge, heavy rains in several districts have simultaneously damaged electricity poles, transmission lines, and transformers, causing localised power disruptions. Gupta directed the Managing Directors of all Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) to expedite restoration work and reinforce emergency preparedness protocols.

Key Directives: Thermal, Solar, and Storage

To offset the hydropower shortfall, officials were instructed to maximise generation from thermal power plants, ramp up utilisation of solar and wind energy, and procure additional electricity from cogeneration power plants. Specific mandates issued include:

The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has been directed to maximise operational efficiency at thermal stations, maintain adequate coal stocks, and prioritise plant maintenance based on system requirements. The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has been asked to expedite commissioning of a 500 MVA Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) — a critical buffer against supply volatility.

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) will facilitate early implementation of JSW's 300 MW solar power project. ESCOMs and KREDL have also been directed to accelerate the PM-KUSUM-B and PM-KUSUM-C schemes, which support solar energy adoption among farmers and feeders.

Power Procurement and Banking Arrangements

The Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) has been tasked with completing procurement of 500–700 MW of electricity from cogeneration power plants. The government also plans to operationalise power banking arrangements with other states before October 2026, encompassing both round-the-clock (RTC) and peak-hour procurement mechanisms — a move that would give Karnataka flexibility to draw on surplus power from neighbouring grids during demand spikes.

What the Government Said

Energy and Tourism Minister K. J. George said Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar had personally directed officials to ensure zero disruption in electricity supply even in the face of natural calamities. George instructed the department to begin preparations immediately to secure adequate power supply through to the end of May 2027, and emphasised that long-term power purchase agreements should be explored without placing an undue financial burden on the state.

The review meeting was attended by KPTCL Managing Director Dr V. Rama Prasath Manohar, BESCOM Managing Director Dr N. Shivashankar, PCKL Managing Director P. K. Venkatesh, KREDL Managing Director K. P. Rudrappaiah, and other senior officials. Managing Directors of all ESCOMs joined via video conference.

With Karnataka's power demand rising and climate variability intensifying, the state's multi-pronged response — spanning storage, renewables, thermal, and interstate banking — will be closely watched as a model for climate-resilient grid management.