With southern States in the same boat, Karnataka turns to Assam for power

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According to latest data, as on September 17, the consumption of power across the State was 339.51 Million Units, while last year it was 251.48 MU. | Photo Credit: File photo

As rains elude much of south India, Karnataka has now turned to the North East to meet its power demands. The State’s Energy Department is procuring 100 Mega Watts (MW) from Assam under the ‘One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency’ system on a daily basis since September 1.

According to the latest data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), as on September 17, 2026, the consumption of power across the State was 339.51 Million Units (MU), while last year on the same day, the consumption recorded was 251.48 MU.

Officials stated that the rise in demand was due to deficient rains and the heat that is forcing households to run ACs, fans, and coolers for longer than usual during the monsoon season.

An official from the Energy department said: “Purchasing power from other States or through barter system is a routine exercise during summer. Last summer, we procured 1,500 MW per day from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Now, Karnataka is returning it and the process will be completed at the end of the month. After this, we will have sufficient power to meet the demand.”

The official further added: “At present, we cannot purchase power from Keralam, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, or other southern States as they too are facing extreme power crunch. Hence, power is being procured from Assam through the ‘One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency’ system.

“We are also procuring power from independent power producers or private companies under nominal prices. A few years ago, the department signed a long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with private companies for ₹7.5 per unit of electricity, which is working in our favour in the present situation. If we bid in the open market in the current scenario, the same power is priced at ₹11.5 per unit. In addition to this, we have also made requests to independent power producers to provide 100 to 200 MW of power per day in case of emergency,” the official added.

Besides, the official said a “majority” of the power demand is being met through sources including thermal, hydel, and solar (see table). “In Bengaluru, even the Yelahanka Combined Cycle Power Plant contributes as a source of energy to meet the demand. We also have sufficient power procured from Central Generating Stations, as well as wind and solar sources,” the official said.

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