State Partners with Power Firms to Ensure 7-Hour Daytime Supply for Pumpsets

Swift Summary

• Energy Minister K.J. George announced measures to ensure farmers receive at least seven hours of power supply during the day.
• The government is prioritizing KUSUM-B and KUSUM-C schemes for uninterrupted electricity access for agricultural pumpsets:

– KUSUM-B: solar power provision for irrigation pumpsets located 500 meters outside the power grid; state subsidy increased from 30% to 50%.- KUSUM-C: Solarization of agricultural feeders to support daytime electricity for pumpsets.

• Regularization efforts are ongoing for illegal agricultural pumpsets, with plans to complete the process within a year.
• ESCOMs will provide transformers if farmers create supporting infrastructure on their own expense.
• An increase in energy infrastructure includes building 100 new power substations by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL).
• Renewable energy initiatives include storing generated renewable energy and promoting solar and wind projects, notably in Gadag district.
• Recruitment of 3,000 powermen will be completed within a month.
• Gruha Jyothi scheme has reached coverage of 99% targeted households in Karnataka.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The State government’s emphasis on uninterrupted power supply reflects an agriculture-focused policy aimed at supporting rural livelihoods through improved energy availability. The schemes under the centrally supported KUSUM program leverage solar technology while enhancing financial incentives like increased subsidies, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and self-reliance.

Regularizing illegal irrigation connections and involving farmers in infrastructure advancement indicate a collaborative approach that balances accountability with accessibility. Initiatives such as creating transformer banks, minimizing delays in repairs or installations, and recruitment drives aim to strengthen foundational support systems within the state’s electricity network.

With significant investment directed towards renewable sources and infrastructure expansion-like the construction of new substations-the long-term energy strategy could reduce dependency on non-renewable sources while addressing immediate concerns like seasonal shortages. Such efforts may serve as a model framework for other regions looking to harmonize sustainability with rural-centric development imperatives.

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