Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Reviews Karnataka’s Power Sector, Calls for Strengthened Reforms and Infrastructure

Bengaluru: Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal conducted a detailed review of Karnataka’s power sector during a high-level meeting held in Bengaluru today. The session was also attended by Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Karnataka’s Minister of Energy K.J. George, and senior officials from both central and state governments, along with representatives from REC Ltd.

The review meeting included a comprehensive presentation by the Karnataka government on the current state of power generation, transmission, and distribution across the state. Discussions covered key issues such as the composition of the power generation mix, challenges related to Right of Way (RoW) in transmission projects, and the need for central support to modernize distribution infrastructure.

Congratulating Karnataka for its growing share of renewable energy in the power mix, Manohar Lal emphasized that his visit was aimed at gaining deeper insight into ground-level challenges and identifying collaborative strategies to enhance power supply reliability across the state.

He urged the state government to work towards reducing financial losses of power utilities by implementing cost-reflective tariffs and ensuring timely clearance of government-related dues and subsidies. He stressed the importance of rolling out prepaid smart meters in all government buildings, including local bodies and residential colonies, by August 2025, and recommended setting up a centralized payment mechanism to streamline management of electricity dues.

In a push for digital and infrastructure upgrades, the Union Minister also advised Karnataka to fast-track the deployment of smart meters across commercial, industrial, and other consumer segments. He called on the state to resolve Right of Way issues impeding transmission infrastructure and adopt the compensation guidelines issued by the Government of India.

Reaffirming the Centre’s support, Manohar Lal assured continued assistance to Karnataka in building a resilient and sustainable power sector. He underscored the government’s commitment to the overall development and welfare of the people of Karnataka through reliable and inclusive energy access.