Power deficit to surplus, Karnataka’s turnaround story

BENGALURU: Karnataka’s turnaround on the power front over the past decade has been remarkable — from purchasing electricity to selling it. In the past four years, it sold 3,847 million units (MU) and earned Rs 1,172 crore. This was from the 7,425 MU it put up for sale.

Amid pandemic blues, which have dried up revenue for the government, the sale of power is expected to provide much-needed income.

“Chief minister BS Yediyurappa is keen on making it a permanent fixture to recover fixed costs and consider it a revenue model,” said a senior government official.

At a recent CM’s review meeting, the energy department was asked to draw up plans to start selling power at a premium through longand medium-term plans to north Indian states and private sector which need power.