Karnataka to purchase 1,000 MW each year

Karnataka would purchase 1,000 MW each year in the next three years to meet the shortage, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said today.

Yeddyurappa told reporters here the decision to buy from the Power Exchange of India was taken to ensure that interests of farmers, industries and consumers are not hurt.

This would be resorted to even if reservoirs are full vis-a-vis hydel power. "Karnataka will be self-sufficient in power in three years".

He said the State has started purchasing 1000 MW between 6 am and 6 pm, and 500 MW in evenings, at an average price of Rs 4.77 per unit. In addition, the state is buying 450 MW from Gujarat, Jindal and other firms, Yeddyurappa said.

He said the state is getting 280 MW from Bellary thermal station, and 160 MW from Udupi, while it has gone up to 870 MW now, from 400 MW a few days ago from Raichur thermal plant.