22-10-21 Daily-Karnataka-KPSC Current Affairs

Karnataka is on the brink of a power crisis with five electricity supply companies (escoms) and the Karnataka Power Corporation (KPCL) yet to pay dues of Rs 1,600 crore to coal supply and companies.

The state has Rs1,000 crore pending bills with coal supply companies and Rs 600 crore with renewable energy supply companies.

With limited coal supply, companies like Singareni Collieries (SCCL) from Telangana have been seeking clearance of dues at the earliest. Sources said three thermal power stations in Karnataka — Ballari, Yermarus and Raichur — have stocks for just 2-3 days and there is a rush to secure more coal rakes. Last week, the State Government paid SCCL Rs 350 crore so that its coal supply is not affected.

Renewable energy companies backlogs have also piled up in the state with Hubli and Gulbarga electricity supply companies having dues owing to a large capacity of Solar Energy Plants being set up in the region.