Karnataka sells ₹423 crore worth surplus power to national grid

The Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL), a subsidiary under the Karnataka Energy Department, sold power worth ₹423 crore to the national grid at ₹9.08 paise per unit during April – June 8, 2026, according to a release.

KJ George, Minister for Energy and Tourism, announced this during a progress review meeting held at Belaku Bhavana in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

He said, “ In the meantime, we have also purchased low-cost power during the daytime and in the evening generated excess power from hydro, thermal and other sources, which we sold to the national grid. .”

Presenting key statistics on electricity demand and consumption over the last three financial years, Mr. George said, “Karnataka recorded a peak demand of 17,220 MW and electricity consumption of 94,982 million units (MU) during 2023–24. The State witnessed a 24% growth in consumption primarily due to drought conditions and increased power requirements. In 2024–25, peak demand rose to 18,395 MW, while total electricity consumption stood at 92,699 MU Consumption registered a 2% decline compared to the previous year, largely owing to favourable monsoon conditions that reduced power demand. During 2025–26, Karnataka recorded its highest-ever peak demand of 18,655 MW with total electricity consumption reaching 96,383 MU reflecting a 4% growth over the previous year.”

He also stated that for the current financial year, up to June 8, 2026, the State has already recorded a peak demand of 18,477 MW and electricity consumption of 21,789 MU. “Consumption during this period has grown by 22.39% compared to the corresponding period last year, largely due to the failure of pre-monsoon rains, which significantly increased electricity demand,” Mr. George said.

Emphasising on the State’s capacity in generating power using various renewable sources of energy, Mr. George said, “The total power from thermal, hydro, gas, solar, wind, and waste-to-energy sources reached 38,041 MU in 2025–26. The projection for 2026–27 is 38,205 MU.”

He also instructed officials to intensify monsoon preparedness for rapid restoration of power following rain- and wind-related damage. So far, ESCOMs have replaced 33,400 poles, 1,441 transformers, and 343.56 km of power lines, while maintaining a robust workforce of 20,012 regular linemen, supplemented by 4,883 specially hired monsoon gangmen. Essential material stocks have been kept at high levels for swift deployment, including 99,530 poles and 12,733 transformers, enabling faster response and minimising outage duration across the state, said the release.