Karnataka to be power surplus by 2017: CM

With a slew of projects under implementation, Karnataka is set to become power surplus by 2017 from being energy-deficit over the years, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Wednesday.

"We have initiated several projects to generate about 18,000 megawatts through conventional and non-conventional sources across the state over the next five years. Though they are at various stages of implementation, once completed, we will be a power surplus state by 2017," Siddaramaiah said at a trade expo here.

Asserting that Karnataka was a pioneer in the power sector, the chief minister said hydel power was first generated in the state over a century ago when a hydro electric power generation station was set up in 1902 at Shivanasamudram near Maddur in Madya district, about 100 km from here.

"We have also initiated a series of reform measures in the distribution to reduce the aggregate technical and commercial losses, improve service delivery to end-users," Siddaramaiah said at the 11th International Exhibition of Electrical and Industrial Electronics Industry (Elecrama) trade fair.

Noting that Karnataka had built a vibrant industrial base over the decades, the chief minister said the state had emerged as a preferred investment destination in the knowledge-based and technology driven industries, including IT, telecom, biotech, aerospace, electronics, precision engineering, automobiles, food processing and garments.

"We offer several opportunities for investments by domestic and overseas firms besides abundant natural resources and human capital due to robust educational system," Siddaramaiah said.

Organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association, the five-day Elecrama at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on the city's outskirts will showcase "made-in-India" products to global audience.

About 1,000 exhibitors are participating in the trade expo, being held for the first time in Bangalore. The fair features products and technology through the voltage spectrum from 220 volts to 1,200 kilovolts.