Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Mar 19: Speaking to reporters at a review meeting of the state energy department that was also attended by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, energy minister K S Eshwarappa said that the state has decided not to resort to load shedding from 5 am to 7 am and again between 6 and 11 pm, in order to ensure that the students preparing for their annual examinations are not disturbed during their study hours and also to enable the farmers to run their agricultural pumpsets.

He also added that the state government will ensure that the power cuts even if resorted to during other times, are kept at bare minimum. He disclosed that due to scattered rains in the state since the last few days, demand for power has come down to about 115 million units from the earlier 142 million units.

"Expecting demand for electricity to rise, we have arranged to buy 800 mw of power. In addition to 100 mw of power we are already getting from Gujarat, another 100 mw will come from Jindal. From April 1, Lanco Company has agreed to provide 200 mw power," he explained.

For ensuring that the citizens do not suffer much, the government has decided to buy power at the rate of Rs 12 to 14 per unit from Power Trading Corporation to offset the shortage, Eshwarappa disclosed.