Bengaluru, July 21: The Karnataka Energy Department has accelerated the implementation of the PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme to provide reliable daytime electricity to farmers by solarising agricultural feeders across the state.
Reviewing the progress of the scheme at Belaku Bhavan on Tuesday, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Gaurav Gupta, directed all implementing agencies to speed up project execution, complete land identification, sign pending agreements and begin work without delay.
The PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme is one of the state's major renewable energy initiatives aimed at improving the quality of power supply to agricultural consumers while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
According to the Energy Department, Karnataka has already awarded 439 solar feeder projects with a combined capacity of 2,767 MW. Of these, 540 MW has been completed, while the remaining 2,227 MW is currently under various stages of implementation.
During the review meeting, Gaurav Gupta stressed that rising electricity demand and the need for uninterrupted daytime power supply for agriculture make timely completion of the projects essential. He instructed KPTCL, ESCOMs, KREDL, CEIG and project developers to work in close coordination, remove procedural bottlenecks and adhere strictly to project timelines.
Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George described the PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme as a transformative initiative for Karnataka's agriculture sector. He said solarising agricultural feeders would provide dependable daytime electricity for farmers, reduce the financial burden on the power sector and promote clean, renewable energy across the state.
Managing Director of BESCOM, Dr. N. Shivashankar, said the utility is committed to implementing the projects within the stipulated schedule. He added that BESCOM is coordinating with developers and field officials to speed up land identification, project execution and grid connectivity, which will improve power reliability for agricultural consumers while increasing the share of renewable energy in the state's distribution network.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials of the Energy Department, KREDL, BESCOM, other ESCOMs and project implementing agencies.
Keywords
PM-KUSUM Component C, Karnataka Energy Department, Solar Agricultural Feeders, Farmers Power Supply, KREDL, BESCOM