K'taka seeks PPP route to up power generation capacities

In an effort to tide over the shortage of power in the state, the Karnataka government plans to purchase power from the private power producers on a long-term basis of over two to three years. The government will work out the requirement of power for this period and float tenders, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa said here today.

He said the government was also open to a public private partnership (PPP) model to set up new power projects in the state, he said and invited the private sector to come forward with new projects.

Addressing the valedictory session of a conference on “Energy Efficiency and Conservation”, organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCIC), here today, he said the demand for power is growing at a rate of 20 per cent per annum in Karnataka and steps have been taken to augment the capacities to meet the shortage.

In addition to the 280 Mw power currently being purchased by the state from private producers, he said, another 200 Mw will be purchased shortly to meet the requirements of summer demand. The state plans to add about 5,000 Mw during the 11th plan period, he said.

Earlier, he handed over awards to seven companies for adopting energy efficient measures. They are Infosy Technologies, Bescom, Kennametal India Ltd, Bosch Limited, Toyota Kirloskar Ltd, L&T Komatsu India Ltd and Udupi Power Corporation Ltd.