Karnataka strengthens energy security with focus on BESS, solarisation of agricultural power supply – Energy Minister KJ George
· Energy Minister K.J. George stresses financial strengthening of ESCOMs
Bengaluru, Oct 1, 2026: 
Karnataka is strengthening its long-term power-security strategy by expanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), accelerating the solarisation of agricultural feeders under KUSUM-C, and implementing the Chief Minister’s Solar Agriculture Scheme (CM-SKY), Tourism and Energy Minister K.J. George said.
The Energy Minister said the Energy Department was pursuing a multi-pronged approach to strengthen power availability, particularly during periods of peak demand, while increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the State’s power system during a energy department review meeting of long term projects at Belaku Bhavana.
“Karnataka is taking concrete steps to build energy-storage capacity as an important component of its long-term power-security strategy. BESS will provide greater flexibility in managing peak demand and integrating renewable energy into the grid,” Energy Minister KJ George said.
The Minister said BESS projects were being implemented through KPTCL and KREDL. Under the KPTCL programme, projects totalling 500 MW/1,000 MWh are at various stages of implementation.
KREDL is also pursuing a 250 MW solar project with 1,100 MWh of BESS at Pavagada Solar Park. In addition, a 900 MWh BESS project comprising 250 MW/500 MWh at Kushtagi and 200 MW/400 MWh at Huliyurdurga is being taken up.
On KUSUM-C, the Energy Minister said the State had made progress in solarising agricultural feeders and had directed the ESCOMs to accelerate commissioning.
“As of September 25, 2026, Letters of Award have been issued for 439 KUSUM-C projects with a total capacity of 2,767 MW, of which 122 projects with 694 MW capacity have already been commissioned,” Energy Minister K J George said.
“395 MW had been commissioned up to March 2026, while another 299 MW had been commissioned from April 2026 onwards. The concerned agencies have been instructed to expedite the implementation of these projects,” Energy Minister added.
The Energy Minister said the Chief Minister’s Solar Agriculture Scheme was being implemented in phases across Karnataka. Under Phase-I, 159 projects with a combined capacity of 919 MW have been taken up across BESCOM, HESCOM and GESCOM areas. Under Phase-II, 119 projects with a total capacity of 1,003.85 MW are being taken up across the five ESCOMs.
“CM-SKY, along with KUSUM-C and KUSUM-B, will play an important role in increasing renewable-energy capacity and supporting the agricultural sector. We have directed the ESCOMs to adhere to the implementation targets and closely monitor progress,” Energy Minister said.
Focus on strengthening ESCOM finances
Energy Minister K.J. George stressed the need to strengthen the financial position of the ESCOMs through timely subsidy payments, improved revenue collection, recovery of outstanding dues and greater operational efficiency.
“BESCOM and MESCOM are operating profitably, and our objective is to ensure that HESCOM, CESC and GESCOM also become financially sustainable. This will require stronger revenue collection and strict action to recover outstanding electricity dues. ESCOM Managing Directors have been directed to ensure timely release of subsidies,” he said.
“Timely settlement of government dues and subsidies, along with improved operational and financial efficiency, is essential for the long-term sustainability of the ESCOMs,” George added.
Prepared to Meet Summer Power Demand
“The State is fully prepared to meet the electricity demand in the coming months, with plans in place to meet the projected requirement. As in the past, we are also exploring power procurement through exchange arrangements with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana,” Energy Minister K.J. George said.
“The State has taken several measures to maximise thermal power generation. Apart from state thermal generation, we have procured 2000 MW thermal power in the recent months The annual maintenance of KPCL’s thermal units has been optimised to ensure most units remain available for generation. Adequate coal stocks are being built up. In addition, power banking from northern states will be utilised from November onwards, depending on demand, to meet the State’s energy requirements,” he added.
State Fully Prepared to Meet Power Demand
“The State is fully prepared for handling the power situation for now and in the upcoming summer months. Electricity demand had risen by 30% in September, driven by the impact of El Niño. To meet the sharp increase in demand, the State has scaled up power supply by more than 3000 MW to meet the additional load,” Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department Gaurav Gupta said.
“From November 1st, another 1,000 MW of power would be available by stopping return banking to northern states additional 230 MW is being taken in advance from other generators. Another 236 MW is allocated to the state from the central pool (Eastern Grid) Further, section11 notification has been issued by Govt of India with effect from October 1st, which would make more power available in the exchanges,” ACS Gaurav Gupta added.
KPCL Managing Director Rajendra Cholan P., KPTCL Managing Director Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, BESCOM Managing Director K. Shivashankar, KREDL Managing Director Divya Prabhu G.R.J., CESC Managing Director M.S. Archana, JESCOM Managing Director Shashidhar Kurer, HESCOM Managing Director Hemanth N., MESCOM Managing Director Nongzai Mohammad Ali Akram Shah, along with senior officials of the Energy Department, attended the meeting.
