Karnataka sells surplus power worth ₹423 crore to the national grid

Energy Minister KJ George | Photo credit: File Photo

Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL), a subsidiary of the Karnataka Energy Department, sold power worth ₹423 crore to the national grid at 9.08 paise per unit during April to June 8, 2026, according to the report.

KJ George, Minister for Energy and Tourism, announced this during a progress review meeting held at Belak Bhavana in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

He said: “Meanwhile, we also bought low-cost electricity during the day and produced surplus electricity from hydro, thermal and other sources in the evening, which we sold to the national grid.”

Presenting key electricity demand and consumption statistics for the last three financial years, Mr. George said, “Karnataka recorded a peak demand of 17,220 MW and electricity consumption of 94,982 million units (MU) during 2023-2024. The total electricity consumption was 92,699 MU. The consumption recorded a 2% decline compared to the previous year, mainly due to favorable monsoon conditions which reduced electricity demand During 2025–26, Karnataka recorded an all-time high peak consumption of 18,655 MW, with total electricity consumption reaching 96,383 MU, a growth of 4% over the previous year.

He also said that for the current financial year up to June 8, 2026, the state has already recorded peak consumption of 18,477 MW and electricity consumption of 21,789 MU. “Consumption during this period increased by 22.39% compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the failure of pre-monsoon rains which significantly increased the demand for electricity,” Mr George said.

Highlighting the state’s ability to generate electricity using various renewable energy sources, Mr George said: “The total output from thermal, hydro, gas, solar, wind and waste-to-energy sources has reached 38,041 MU in 2025-26. The projection for 2026-27 is 38,205 MU.”

He also directed officials to intensify monsoon preparedness to quickly restore electricity after damage caused by rain and wind. So far, ESCOM has replaced 33,400 poles, 1,441 transformers and 343.56 km of power lines, while maintaining a robust workforce of 20,012 regular linemen, supplemented by 4,883 specially hired monsoon gangs. Stocks of essential material have been maintained at high levels for rapid deployment, including 99,530 poles and 12,733 transformers, enabling faster response and minimizing outage time across the state, the report said.

Published – 10 Jun 2026 23:33 IST