Power cuts likely to continue even as minister sets ‘deadline’

The state of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, is facing frequent power cuts due to high demand and insufficient power generation. Energy department officials are negotiating with private generators within the state to purchase power at a cost approved by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. The government hopes to resolve the power crisis within a week and is looking to get up to 1,500 MW from private generators. The state has already spent Rs 1,102 crore on purchasing power in less than six months. Power will be supplied to rural areas in three shifts on a rotational basis.