Losing steam, going thermal!

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar - who offered prayers to the rain god at Rushyashrungeswara temple at Kigga near Sringeri - feels that in the coming 18 months the power problems that are being faced in Bengaluru and rest of the state will be addressed to large extent. He is purchasing 1,000 MW of power to bridge the gap between demand and supply. In the next few months thermal units at Bellary and Raichur will go operational and the Gas based thermal power plant in Bidadi is in the final stages of getting approval by the Central Electrical Authority. Here are the excerpts from the interview by Amit S. Upadhye.

We are in the midst of monsoon and the state is facing a power deficit. How are you going to manage?
The monsoon has failed in the state. Due to which we have a deficit of 4,000 MW for Bengaluru alone. But soon the power scenario will be streamlined. We are purchasing 1,000 MW of power and we have got permission from the central government. This will help bridge the gap.

Much has been spoken about the power scenario and improving the power generation. But many projects are not coming through. Why?
We are facing the problems in energy sector due to improper handling by the previous government. But I am here to set the things right. We are installing two 220 gas insulated sub-stations, each at Koramangala and ITPL which will ensure clean power supply to Bengaluru. This will be completed in the next 18 months. Also the energy production in the state will improve as two units at the Bellary thermal power station will be operational by mid September. Similarly another unit will be ready in Raichuru.

What is holding up making Gas-based power plant in Bidadi operational?
It's a matter of time the project in Bidadi will be operational. We have installed a 400 KV sub station at Bidadi and we are planning to draw power from Gas plant through this plant. A proposal has been submitted by the state government and we are waiting approval of Central Electrical Authority. The project was earlier delayed as the Pollution Control Board did not give permission, initially thinking it's a pollution creating plant. The Board has been convinced and soon the Bidadi plant will be operational.

How can Bengaluru generates its own power? What are your plans for Bengaluru?
We already have a DG plant in Yelahanka with 350 MW and soon the Bidadi plant will be operational. In the last few months we are trying popularise rooftop solar power harnessing which has caught the attention of many citizens. About 45 rooftop units are coming up in Bengaluru and we are expecting about 150 such units by next three months. We are purchasing the solar power form such units at '9.56 which is a lucrative offer for a citizen who spends about '1 lakh per 1 KV capacity installation of solar plant.