Tue Jan 07 14:41:00 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Energy Minister Orders Plan to Prevent Summer Power Cuts in Mandya

**Mandya, Karnataka, January 7, 2025** – Karnataka’s Energy Minister, K.J. George, has directed officials to develop a plan to prevent electricity disruptions during the upcoming summer months, particularly in Mandya district. This follows a review meeting addressing concerns about increased power demand due to a surge in irrigation activities.

The meeting, held at the Mandya Zilla Panchayat office, included elected representatives, BESCOM and KPTCL officials. A 30% rise in irrigation this year compared to last, driven by increased sugarcane cultivation, has prompted the need for additional power. MLC Dinesh Gooligowda highlighted the need for an extra two hours of electricity supply for sugarcane farmers, which Minister George approved, pending a proposal from the CESC.

KPTCL forecasts a significant increase in power demand, projecting around 400 MW for January and February, rising to 1,000 MW from March to May. To meet this demand, the state is exploring power exchanges with neighboring states, prioritizing long-term contracts to mitigate high short-term procurement costs.

The minister also emphasized the progress of the Kusum-C project, aiming to install solar power-generating units at substations to ensure consistent daytime power supply. Currently, 37 of Mandya’s 59 substations are included in this scheme, with ongoing land acquisition for the remaining units. The Deputy Commissioner has been tasked with expediting land acquisition for the project.

Minister George stressed the importance of collaboration between CESC engineers and local MLAs to address constituency-specific power concerns effectively. The meeting was attended by several key officials, including MLAs, the Energy Department’s Additional Chief Secretary, and heads of KPTCL and CESC.

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