Bengaluru, September 8, 2026: Karnataka Government is taking measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply despite drought conditions in the State, including procuring power from other States if sufficient electricity is not available through power exchange arrangements, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George said.
Speaking to reporters after participating in the Bengaluru Roadshow of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 on Monday, George said Karnataka had not faced any power shortage so far and that preparations were underway to prevent shortages in the coming months. “There has been no power shortage so far. A plan is being prepared to ensure that there are no issues in the coming days as well,” he said.
Power to be purchased from other States
Minister said Karnataka had procured electricity from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana last summer under power exchange arrangements. The electricity was subsequently returned between June and September. Karnataka will once again seek electricity from these States through similar arrangements, he said.
“If the expected power is not available through these arrangements, we will purchase electricity from other sources and supply it to consumers. The Government is prepared to bear the cost, irrespective of the expenditure involved,” George said.
Agricultural power supply not curtailed
Despite the drought, electricity supply to agricultural pump sets has not been curtailed so far, the Minister said. He acknowledged that minor problems occur in some areas because of inadequate last-mile connectivity. Such problems are generally temporary and are rectified immediately, he said.Government is therefore giving priority to strengthening the electricity network at the local level.
400 substations planned
According to George, 12 substations are being constructed during the current financial year, while the Government is preparing a plan to establish around 400 substations over the next two to three years. New power lines will also be established and existing lines upgraded to meet rising demand. Objective is to strengthen the power infrastructure and ensure adequate electricity supply even in areas where last-mile connectivity remains a challenge.
Government backs pumped storage projects
George also made a strong case for pumped storage projects, saying Karnataka needs energy-storage capacity to make better use of renewable power. State's present electricity demand is around 18,000 MW, with nearly 70% coming from renewable energy, he said. However, renewable generation is largely available during the daytime, creating the need to store electricity for periods of peak demand.
Government is therefore moving ahead with pumped storage projects to store electricity generated from renewable sources and release it when demand is high. “There should be no opposition to pumped storage projects,” George said, adding that Karnataka must adopt technologies suited to the requirements of the 21st century.
Projects subject to environmental clearances
Responding to concerns over pumped storage projects, the Minister said projects would be taken up only after obtaining the required statutory approvals.
He said proposals would undergo clearances from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Wildlife Board, besides being forwarded to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. “If approval is not granted, we will not implement the project,” he clarified.
65–70% Gruha Jyothi verification completed
On verification of beneficiaries under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, George said around 65% to 70% of the verification process had been completed. He said the Chief Minister had ordered the review after some beneficiaries, including government employees, expressed their unwillingness to continue availing themselves of the scheme.
Certain documents have been sought as part of the verification process. Those who do not wish to avail themselves of the scheme need not submit the documents, the Minister said. At the same time, eligible beneficiaries would not be removed from the scheme, he assured. Deadline for verification has now been extended until the end of September, with the Government stating that the objective is to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries continue to receive the benefit.
Keywords: Karnataka power supply, KJ George, Karnataka drought, 400 substations, pumped storage projects, Gruha Jyothi, Citizen News Puttur