Karnataka sold ₹423 crore power to national grid despite record summer demand

Bengaluru: At a time when many states struggle to meet surging electricity demand, Karnataka is reaping rich dividends from its renewable energy revolution. Powered by one of the country’s largest green energy portfolios and a growing surplus of electricity, the state has earned ₹423 crore by selling excess power to the national grid during the peak summer months, highlighting its transformation from a power-deficit state into a key energy supplier for the nation.

Riding on its position as one of India’s leading renewable energy-producing states, the state govt-owned Power Company of Karnataka Ltd (PCKL) managed to sell power worth ₹423 crore to the national grid at ₹9.08 per unit between April and June 2026. Reviewing the progress of the energy department during the just-concluded summer season, energy and tourism minister KJ George said, “We (the govt) have managed the summer season’s demand successfully through energy optimisation, besides selling considerable units of power to the national grid. During these months marked by relentless heat, we 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.”

Ahead of the monsoon season, the minister pointed out that the govt has initiated preparedness measures across the state to ensure rapid restoration of power following rain- and wind-related damage. “Electricity supply companies (Escoms) have so far replaced 33,400 poles, 1,441 transformers and 343.56 km of transmission 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 ready for swift deployment, including 99,530 poles and 12,733 transformers, enabling quick response and minimising outage duration across the state.”

Referring to demand and consumption patterns, the minister revealed that Karnataka recorded a peak demand of 17,220 MW and electricity consumption of 94,982 million units during 2023-24, witnessing a 24% growth in consumption largely due to drought conditions and increased power usage. “However, this consumption pattern witnessed a decline of 2% despite a rise in demand of 6% to 7% during 2024-25 on account of the salubrious monsoon across the state, which brought down power demand. But in 2025-26, Karnataka recorded its highest-ever peak demand of 18,655 MW, with consumption touching 96,383 million units, marking an overall growth of 4% compared to the previous year,” George said.

Gaurav Gupta, IAS, additional chief secretary, energy department, revealed that until the first week of June 2026, Karnataka had already recorded a peak demand of 18,477 MW and consumption of 21,789 million units, pointing to a growth of 22.39% compared to the previous year due to erratic pre-monsoon showers.

Ram Prasath Manohar, managing director, Karnataka Power Transmission Corp Ltd (KPTCL), said, “The state is growing strong in power generation, with thermal, hydro, gas, solar, wind and waste-to-energy sources collectively generating 38,041 million units in the 2025-26 fiscal. The projection for 2026-27 is 38,205 million units.”

N Shivashankara, IAS, managing director, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom); Kothandapani, MD of PCKL; and KP Rudrappiah, MD of KREDL, were present during the review meeting in Bengaluru.