In a significant move aimed at addressing the ongoing power crisis in the state, the government has decided to extend uninterrupted power supply to farmers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the government will now provide farmers with seven hours of continuous electricity, a significant improvement from the earlier plan of five hours. The decision to increase the power supply duration came in response to the rising demand for electricity as crops, including sugarcane, have reached the harvest season. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah explained, “Earlier, we had planned to provide seven hours of uninterrupted power supply to farmers. However, a few of them were of the opinion that five hours would suffice. Now, since sugarcane and many crops have come to harvest, the demand for power has increased.”
Providing seven hours of uninterrupted power supply to farmers necessitates an additional 600 MW per hour, totalling a daily consumption of 14 million units. This expansion is expected to cost the exchequer an extra Rs 1,500 crore. To meet this added expenditure, the government is planning to reallocate funds and seek savings in grants. Siddaramaiah highlighted the escalating power demand in the state, citing an increase of nearly 45% compared to the previous year. Agricultural consumption alone has surged from 55% last year to 119% this year.
In response to the growing demand, the state government has also ramped up power generation. The current power generation stands at 3,200 MW, with an additional 450 MW produced through bagasse-based cogeneration.
Furthermore, the government has announced a bill waiver program for households participating in various power schemes, including Bhagya Jyothi, Kuteera Jyothi, and Amrutha Jyothi. Pending bills amounting to close to Rs 389.66 crore will be forgiven. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah explained, “Since the Gruha Jyothi scheme is in force, we have increased the free power up to 58 units for all the other schemes. As there are pending bills, it is difficult to implement the program. Hence, considering the economic status of these families, we have decided to waive these dues.”
The decision to extend uninterrupted power supply to farmers and offer financial relief to households is expected to alleviate the current power crisis in the state and ensure a more stable and supportive environment for agricultural and domestic power needs.