Power cuts on cards in Karnataka

With the demand for power outstripping supply in Karnataka, the state government will resort to power cuts during summer.

The demand for power has reached 140 million units per day as against the availability of 117 million units. Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday conducted a review to take stock of the power situation in the state.

"We had urged the Centre to allocate 500 Mw of power from the neighbouring states or the Central grid. Since assistance does not seem to be coming, we do not have any option other than resorting to load shedding," Kumaraswamy told reporters after the meeting.

The chief minister, who left for New Delhi said, he would try to convince the Centre again to allocate power from the Central grid.

"We will try our best not to undertake load shedding. Our decision will be based on the Centre's response. We have even set aside Rs 200 crore to purchase power from states producing surplus electricity. We are awaiting the Centre's nod," he added.