Karnataka is gearing up for a power demand of 21,000 MW next summer

Elaborating on the summer preparations, Gaurav Gupta, additional secretary general of the power department, said there is 2,000 to 3,000 MW of spare power resource capacity available. | Photo credit: File photo

Karnataka’s daily electricity demand is expected to increase to around 21,000 megawatts (MW) during the summer of 2027. Karnataka’s electricity demand peaked at 18,650 MW in the summer of 2025, according to power department data. It subsequently touched 20,000 MW of intense heat in September 2026. The sources of the resort expect an increase in demand by 1000 MW next year.

Gaurav Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary, Power Department, said, “We are fully aware that there will be high temperatures and more power demand, which we have already prepared for. Also, the cooling load that exists due to failure of monsoons will reduce in the months of November and December.”

In preparation for the summer, Mr. Gupta said that there is about 2000 MW to 3000 MW of spare power resource capacity available. “Also, from April 1 next year, we will procure nearly 400 MW of power under the SHAKTI policy (Scheme for Transparent Utilization and Allocation of Koyala in India) from private generators. As per the agreement between Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, the process of returning power to these states – every peak summer day – was completed in 1000. September 30, 2026.”

He said that from November 1, 2026, the three states will provide 1,000 MW to Karnataka every day. “We also rely on Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Assam as the surplus power generated in these states is purchased under the One Nation, One Grid and One Frequency system. With more resources like Central Power Plants (CGS) and KPCL’s 3000 MW thermal and hydro capacity, we can generate up to 20,000 MW,” he said.

At the same time, sources from the department revealed that hydropower production dropped by 60%. According to the data, 5,096 MU of hydropower was produced last year between September and October, this year it decreased to 2,100 MU.

Appeal to consumers

Although no official guidance has yet been issued to reduce consumption, Mr Gupta appealed to the public to use electricity judiciously. “At least if people use air conditioning, they should use it with a reasonable temperature setting that should not be lower than 22 degrees or 24 degrees. But it will be good if people can save on electricity bills and keep the demand for electricity high,” he said.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 19:50 IST