Best Performing State in Power Reforms Overall - Karnataka

Karnataka has been ranked the top performer under UDAY scheme that aims to shore up the financial health of power distribution companies (discoms). It has its AT&C losses at 15.72 per cent against the national average of about 22 per cent, ACS-ARR (Average cost of Service-Average Revenue Realised), which reflects on coverage of costs, the shate's revenues are short of costs only by about 6 paise/unit, according to Ministry of Power data. Among operational indicators the state has achieved 100 per cent target in Feeder Metering in urban and rural areas, and in distribution of LEDs under UJALA scheme. It also made strides in other UDAY parameters like DT metering, rural feeder audit and feeder segregation, taking the top slot in performance among states and UTs standing tall among 31 states and UTs under UDAY. Karnataka and Power are associated with each other for more than a century. Presently about 2 crore installations are connected with the state grid. We have achieved more than 95% electrification of households and a balance of about 39 remote villages are to be electrified. The power demand of the state is constantly increasing along with high expectation of consumers. To increase the capacity addition for emphasizing power availability, separate generating company, KPCL was formed during 1970. The installed capacity, which was 746 MW during 1970, has presently increased to 6508 MW. The state's total installed capacity including all sources is at 15,052 MW during 2014-15. Peak demand of 9549 MW has been met by the grid. Demand - Supply gap is still prevailing. The state is mainly dependent on hydel sources for power generation. No fossil fuels are available for setting up of Thermal Plants. All efforts are being made to increase power generation through renewable and solar sources. More than 5000 MW capacity has been installed through renewable sources. The state is committed for solar power generation by establishing a 2000 MW Solar Park and 20 MW each solar projects in 60 taluks with net capacity of 1200 MW. All the human activity in this civilized world starts with electricity for their livelihood and economic growth. In this regard, 24x7 Power for All is need of the hour. To provide 24 hours of power supply for all category of consumers and regulated hours to agriculture continuously is a big challenge before the state.