Karnataka to buy 750 MW from private companies

Tenders would be issued soon inviting private companies to supply power to the state grid, state Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje told reporters here.

The power supply situation would be grim if the state did not get bountiful spells of rains in the remaining days of the monsoon, Karandlaje said.

Linganamakki hydel reservoir at present has of about 30 tmcft compared to the storage level of 80 tmcft during the corresponding period of last year. Currently, hydel plants generate 2,500 MW daily.

The demand for power has increased by about 24 per cent compared to the previous year.

She said the second unit of the Bellary Thermal Power Station is expected to commence full-fledged generation from January.

"The plant has already commenced power generation and full capacity will be utilised only after production is stabilised which will require at least three months," she said.