Karnataka faces severe power crisis due to insufficient rainfall

Karnataka is facing a severe power shortage of 1,500-2,000 megawatts due to insufficient rainfall. The state has seen an unexpected surge in demand of over 15,000 megawatts in October. The lack of rainfall has increased the demand for agricultural irrigation pumps, leading to a challenging power situation. The state’s reservoir levels are significantly lower compared to last year, resulting in heavy reliance on thermal energy sources. To address the power shortfall, power purchases are being made through the Day-Ahead Market and Real-Time Market, and power swaps have been arranged with Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The department has called on consumers to conserve energy.