With the southern states in the same boat, Karnataka is turning to Assam for power

According to the latest data, as of September 17, electricity consumption across the state was 339.51 million units, while last year it was 251.48 MU. | Photo credit: File photo

With rains escaping much of South India, Karnataka has now turned to the Northeast to meet its energy requirements. The state power department has been procuring 100 megawatts (MW) daily from Assam under the ‘One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency’ scheme since September 1.

According to the latest data from the State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC), electricity consumption across the state was 339.51 million units (MU) as of September 17, 2026, while consumption of 251.48 MU was recorded on the same day last year.

Officials said the surge in demand was due to insufficient rains and heat that forces households to run air conditioners, fans and coolers longer than usual during the monsoon season.

A power department official said, “Buying power from other states or through the barter system is a routine exercise during summer. Last summer, we got 1,500 MW per day from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Now Karnataka is returning it and the process will be completed by the end of the month. After that, we will have enough power to meet the demand.”

The official further added, “Currently we cannot buy power from Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh or other southern states as they are also facing extreme power crisis. So power is sourced from Assam through ‘One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency’ system.”

“We also procure electricity from independent power producers or private companies at nominal rates. Few years ago this department signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with private companies at ₹7.5 per unit of electricity, which is working in our favor in the current scenario. If we bid in the open market, the same electricity is priced at ₹11.5 per unit, we also have 0 requests to supply this power to 1 independent producers per unit. 200 MW of power per day in an emergency,” the official added.

In addition, the official said the “majority” of power demand is met through sources including thermal, hydel and solar (see table). “In Bengaluru, even the combined cycle Yelahanka power plant is contributing as a power source to meet the demand. We also have enough power procured from central power plants as well as wind and solar,” the official said.

Published – 18 Sep 2026 22:38 IST