KJ George Warns of Strict Action Against Self-Execution Power Projects Violating KERC Norms
Bengaluru, July 24: Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George has said strict action will be taken against projects that fail to complete mandatory power infrastructure under the Self Execution scheme within the prescribed timeline or violate Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) regulations.
In a statement, the minister said that under KERC regulations dated January 12, 2006, residential complexes, townships, large layouts and other development projects with a sanctioned electrical load exceeding 7.5 MVA are required to establish substations and associated power infrastructure at their own cost under the Self Execution model.
He said the objective is to ensure that power infrastructure keeps pace with rapidly expanding urban areas, reduce pressure on the public electricity grid and avoid the use of public funds for infrastructure required by private developments.
According to the statement, 45 such cases have already been identified in Bengaluru and notices have been issued to the project implementing agencies. A penalty of 10 per cent, as provided under KERC regulations, will be imposed in such cases. If mandatory infrastructure is not completed within the stipulated period and transmission constraints arise at KPTCL substations, legal action, including suspension of electricity connections, will be taken to protect uninterrupted and quality power supply to the public.
The minister also said some projects had obtained approval for sanctioned loads below 7.5 MVA but were found to be consuming electricity beyond the approved capacity without upgrading the required infrastructure. Such practices increase pressure on the public power grid and may affect the quality of power supply to neighbouring consumers.
George said the issue had been discussed with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who directed officials to take necessary action in the larger public interest. Accordingly, KPTCL Managing Director Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar has been instructed to identify such projects across the state and submit a comprehensive report.
George said the action is intended to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply, prevent unnecessary stress on public power infrastructure and avoid additional financial burden on the government. He added that sufficient time had already been provided for compliance and that legal action would be initiated against projects that continue to violate the regulations in accordance with the Chief Minister’s directions.
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