Energy Minister KJ George Dedicates 7.3 MW Solar Power Plant to Farmers in Hoskote

Bengaluru Express
Hoskote, October 30, 2025: Marking a significant step toward renewable energy expansion, Energy Minister K.J. George inaugurated a solar power facility established under the PM KUSUM-C programme at Yalachahalli Lake, Hoskote, Today.

Inaugurating the plant along with Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda, the Energy Minister KJ George said, “This solar unit will generate 7.3 megawatts of power, which will supply electricity to 1,383 agricultural pump sets across 33 villages under Mugabala Gram Panchayat in Nandagudi Hobli, Hoskote Taluk.”

“The KUSUM-C scheme, aimed at ensuring adequate daytime power supply to agricultural pump sets through feeder-level solarisation, has gained strong momentum under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Through this initiative, farmers will receive a continuous seven-hour power supply. With the commissioning of this Yalachahalli solar unit, four agricultural feeders will now be converted into solar-powered networks,” Energy Minister K J George added.

“The KUSUM-C project is a boon to farmers, especially those in the rural regions around Hoskote, known as the gateway to Bengaluru. The government is providing all necessary support to implement this project. Local MLA Sharath Bachegowda has taken special interest in ensuring its execution, which will greatly benefit the farming community,” Energy Minister KJ George said.

He further explained, “In areas where government land is not available, farmers can lease their private land and earn an annual income. Under the KUSUM-C scheme, private power producers must pay ₹25,000 per acre per year. This amount, deposited with the District Collector, will be utilised for the development of government schools and Anganwadis in the same village where the substation is located. If private land is used, renewable energy developers will lease the land and pay a minimum compensation of ₹25,000 per acre directly to the landowners.”

Solar plants will be set up near technically feasible power substations. Private developers will generate solar power, which the government will purchase and distribute to agricultural pump sets in the corresponding feeder areas. Since solar power is abundantly available during the day, farmers will receive adequate daytime electricity for their irrigation needs,” Energy Minister KJ George added.

“The Minister also encouraged farmers to take advantage of the PM KUSUM-B scheme, which helps them generate power required for their own pump sets on their farmland. The Central Government provides a 30% subsidy for the project, while the State Government contributes 50%. Beneficiaries only need to bear 20% of the cost. Applications can be submitted online to avail of the facility,” Energy Minister KJ George elaborated.

120 New Substations Planned across Karnataka

“When our government assumed office, the power demand, which was around 8,000–9,000 MW, suddenly surged to 18,000 MW. We ensured an uninterrupted supply by entering into power exchange agreements with other states. Subsequently, we initiated several new projects to increase power generation. Currently, there is no power shortage, but a load increase causes distribution issues. To address this, 120 new substations will be constructed,” the Energy Minister KJ George explained.

Foundation Laid for New Government School Building

On the occasion, Minister K.J. George also laid the foundation stone for a government school building at Tavarekere, to be constructed at a cost of ₹3.5 crore under Volvo’s CSR fund.

MLA and KEONICS Chairman Sharath Bachegowda, BESCOM Managing Director Dr N. Shivashankar, and senior officials from the Energy Department attended the event.