Hassan/Bengaluru: Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George announced that the state will soon generate an additional 545 MW of solar power under the Kusum-C scheme, bringing the total capacity to 745 MW. The initiative, aimed at solarising agricultural feeders to provide reliable daytime electricity to farmers, has already achieved 200 MW of operational capacity.
Addressing a press conference after reviewing energy department projects in Hassan district on Friday, George said 93 solar units across Karnataka will contribute to the new 545 MW capacity in the coming months. The long-term goal is to generate 2,400 MW through feeder-level solarisation under the central Kusum-C scheme.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently inaugurated one such unit in Gauribidanur, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing rural energy infrastructure, George noted.
For every 1 MW of generation, 4 acres of land is required. The government has directed that public land be allocated free of cost for these projects. Private producers, however, must pay ₹25,000 per acre, which will be deposited with the local Deputy Commissioner and used to improve government schools and Anganwadis in the respective villages.
“If private land is used, the developers will lease it and compensate the landowners with a minimum payment of ₹25,000 per acre,” George added.
He also said that 3 lakh of the state’s 4 lakh unauthorised pump sets have been regularised. Pump sets located within 500 meters of feeders will be supported with new transformers, while those farther away will receive solar pump sets under the Kusum-B scheme.
The Minister directed energy department officials to resolve public grievances proactively and engage with elected representatives without delay. Officials found neglecting responsibilities will face disciplinary action, including transfers.
During the earlier review meeting, MLAs highlighted infrastructure and supply issues across their constituencies. In response, George instructed the Managing Director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) to take swift corrective measures and stay in regular consultation with legislators.
CESC Managing Director K.M. Munigopal Raju reported that Hassan district has achieved 99.86% implementation under the Gruha Jyothi free electricity scheme, with ₹375.09 crore disbursed. However, 1,225 applications under the Ganga Kalyana scheme remain pending. The district currently has 1,49,031 irrigation pump (IP) connections and 3,658 pending infrastructure works, expected to be completed within three months.
Under the Kusum-B scheme, 1,593 applications have been filed in Hassan, which has 38 electricity distribution centres. Solar projects in the district are expected to generate 203.84 MW of electricity. However, recent heavy rainfall damaged 1,500 electricity poles, 18 transformers, and 33 km of power lines, causing an estimated loss of ₹2.5 crore.
MP Shreyas Patel, Housing Board Chairman and MLA K.M. Shivalingegowda, and MLAs K. Manju, Swaroop, C.N. Balakrishna, H.K. Suresh, and S. Manjunath were present. Other attendees included KPTCL MD Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Deputy Commissioner Lathakumari, and ZP CEO B.R. Poornima.
