Karnataka could be looking at an acute power shortage with hydropower generation significantly affected due to poor southwest monsoons.
According to one estimate, the production of hydropower plants could decrease by up to 60% this year compared to last year. Senior officials from the energy department said f that based on water levels in dams, Karnataka now has a potential to generate only close to 1,990 MU of hydro compared to 5,096 MU generated last year.
“We are closely monitoring the water levels and making an assessment to understand how bad the situation could get. As far as the current water levels in Linganmakki Dam, Supa Dam and Mani Dam are concerned, we only have a potential to produce 1,990 MU of hydro,” said a senior official from the power department.
The Department of Energy has begun taking measures to compensate for the shortfall.
“Due to weak monsoons, hydropower output is expected to drop significantly and we have already started preparations to ensure that this does not result in power outages. I have asked officials to take steps to increase power generation through other sources to offset the shortfall. We will also enter into long-term power purchase agreements. The department is prepared to handle such adverse KJ situations.” f.
Alternative sources
The department is also planning to enter into power banking agreements with other states. Under such agreements, other states supply power to Karnataka whenever there is a shortage and the state will return the power when generation improves. Apart from this, the state is also planning to provide more power from cogeneration units. Power plants will also operate at maximum capacity to compensate for the shortage.
“We are ramping up our solar power generation and also working to commission our Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects. Power exchange arrangements have also been put in place to offset the shortfall,” said Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Power).
However, officials also noted that good monsoons in 2025 had resulted in excess hydro generation.
Senior officials of the power department said that the demand for power has also increased due to the hot weather. “With the temperature remaining high, domestic electricity consumption is also increasing. Power consumption in the agriculture sector is also increasing due to weak monsoons,” said another senior official from the power department.
