Fri Jan 03 16:35:50 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Energy Minister Orders Shift to Power Exchange to Ensure Summer Supply
**Bengaluru, January 3, 2025** – Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George has directed state power officials to prioritize power exchange agreements with neighboring states over direct power purchases this summer to guarantee reliable electricity supply. This strategy, announced following a meeting with officials from KPCL, KPTCL, and PCKL, aims to leverage cost savings through long-term contracts and capitalize on higher peak-hour electricity sales.
The Minister emphasized the need to increase overall power generation, suggesting that solar power be utilized for daytime agricultural needs while thermal and hydropower plants focus on nighttime electricity production. He also set a February 2025 deadline to resolve maintenance issues at underperforming thermal plants in Raichur, Yermarus, and Ballari, targeting a summer generation exceeding the record 3,600 MW achieved last year.
Separately, Bescom announced plans to cut power to illegal buildings following a request from civic bodies like the BBMP. This decision, prompted by a building collapse in October 2024 that resulted in nine fatalities, follows a Lokayukta inquiry. Bescom will issue seven-day notices before disconnecting power to structures violating building regulations.
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