State to add more power substations where land is available: Energy Minister

Karnataka is ready to establish more power substations wherever suitable land is available, to strengthen electricity distribution and ensure reliable supply across regions, said Energy Minister K.J. George on Monday.

Speaking after inaugurating a 110/11 kV power distribution substation built by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) at Sulekere (Aggunda) village in Arsikere taluk in the Hassan district, the Minister said, “The State has sufficient electricity. To ensure reliable distribution, we have already taken steps to build 100 substations. However, more are required. The challenge is the availability of land. Once appropriate land is provided, new substations will be established as per demand.” 

He noted that under the KUSUM-C scheme, the government was solarising agricultural feeders to provide uninterrupted daytime power to irrigation pumpsets. Under the Niranthara Jyothi programme, officials had been directed to ensure a steady single-phase power supply for household use. The Minister also mentioned that the Akrama-Sakrama scheme was being implemented to regularise unauthorised agricultural power connections. “When our government took office, around 4.5 lakh applications were pending. The Cabinet has discussed a permanent solution, and over 3 lakh pump sets have already been regularised,” Mr. George added.