Bengaluru: In response to the request from sugarcane farmers in Mandya for increased power supply, Energy Minister KJ George instructed officials on Tuesday to ensure the necessary power is provided. He also directed them to take measures to avoid any power disruptions during the summer.
During a meeting at the Mandya Zilla Panchayat office on Tuesday, George directed officials from Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) to prepare a proposal for providing two extra hours of electricity daily for the next three months to assist sugarcane farmers.
He mentioned that last year’s good rainfall boosted the cultivation of short-duration crops, including sugarcane, which need a continuous water supply until the end of March. MLC Dinesh Gooligowda had requested extra power to meet this demand.
Responding to the request, George asked the CESC Managing Director to submit a detailed proposal to address the farmers’ needs.
Officials at the meeting pointed out that a study by SLCDC and PCKL showed a rise in cultivation during the Rabi season compared to the previous year. This increase in farming activity is expected to raise electricity consumption.
KPTCL estimates that Mandya district will need around 400 MW of power in January and February, with demand rising to 1,000 MW from March to May 2025.
George highlighted that the state is already arranging power from neighbouring states and prioritising power exchanges. “We should start discussions with these states right away to finalize agreements for power supply,” he said.
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