Karnataka to Add More Power Substations Where Land Is Available: Energy Minister K.J. George

Arsikere – Hassan, November 4: Energy Minister K.J. George said the state government is ready to establish additional power substations wherever suitable land is available, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance Karnataka’s electricity distribution infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply across regions.

Speaking after inaugurating the 110/11 kV power distribution substation built by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) at Sulekere (Aggunda) village in Arasikere taluk, Hassan district, the Energy Minister KJ George said, “The state has sufficient electricity. To ensure reliable distribution, we have already taken steps to build 100 substations. However, more are required. The challenge is the availability of land. Once appropriate land is provided, new substations will be established as per demand,”.

He further said that under the KUSUM-C scheme, agricultural feeders are being solarised to supply uninterrupted daytime power for irrigation pump sets.

“The government has already initiated steps to generate 2,400 MW under this scheme, attracting private investments worth ₹10,000 crore. Once completed, the power supply issues faced by farmers will be largely resolved,” Energy Minister KJ George added.

Under the Niranthara Jyothi (Continuous Power) scheme, officials have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted single-phase power for household consumption. “If any issues arise, they will be resolved promptly. Our government prioritises strengthening basic infrastructure to avoid any disruptions in electricity supply,” Energy Minister KJ George elaborated.

He also mentioned that the Akrama-Sakrama scheme is being implemented to legalise unauthorised power connections used for agricultural pump sets.

“When our government took office, around 4.5 lakh applications were pending. The Cabinet has discussed providing a permanent solution, and already more than 3 lakh pump sets have been regularised,” Energy Minister KJ George said.

Arasikere MLA and Karnataka Housing Board Chairman K.M. Shivalingegowda emphasised the need for improved power facilities for farmers: “Arasikere was once known as a drought-prone region, but several initiatives have helped solve the water crisis. Now, our farmers need a better power supply. The taluk requires approximately 100 MW, but we currently receive only half of that. The KUSUM-C scheme will help address this issue. Continuous power in forest-fringe villages will also help prevent wildlife intrusion during the night. More substations must be established to end power shortages for farmers,” K.M. Shivalingegowda urged the Minister.

The event was attended by Hassan Member of Parliament P Shreyas Patel, Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari, Dummenahalli GP President A.M. Ajjayya, Aggunda Gram Panchayat President Kavitha, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee Member Shekhar, KPTCL Chief Engineer Satish Chandra, and CESCOM Technical Director D.J. Divakar, among others.

Inspection of Solar Park
During his visit to Sankodanahalli village in Arasikere taluk, Energy Minister K.J. George inspected the upcoming 25-acre Solar Park being developed under the KUSUM-C scheme.

“The project aims to ensure daytime power for agricultural pump sets. Farmers have appreciated the initiative, and it must be completed quickly,” he said.

He also directed CESCOM officials to issue notices and cancel tenders of contractors who fail to start work on time and to re-tender the project if necessary.

·      110/11 kV Power Distribution Station inaugurated at Sulekere (Aggunda) village

·      Energy Minister directs officials to ensure an uninterrupted single-phase power supply to households

·      25-acre Solar Park to be developed at Sankodanahalli under the KUSUM-C scheme