Shivakumar responds positively to concerns over privatisation of power supply

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded positively to objections raised by the Federation of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees’ Unions and Associations against entry of private players entering power distribution. 

Tata Power has applied for a licence for power distribution in several districts of the State. It is presently pending before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). 

Speaking after being felicitated by the associations, he said that officials from all Escoms and the Energy Minister had appealed to him that there should be no privatisation of the Energy Department. “While I have accepted your request, I will discuss it in the Cabinet and arrive at a final decision,” he said. 

“I am aware that private companies are into power distribution in other States like Odisha, Maharashtra and Delhi. However, I also very well know that the infrastructure for power generation, distribution and supply in Karnataka was built by the staff of the Energy Department with the support of the State government for more than 50 years. The private players want to enter this ecosystem only to make money and profits,” he said. 

He also pointed out that it was the BJP that had brought laws that allowed for privatisation of power distribution and asked the Energy Department employees to also question BJP. 

Energy Minister K.J. George also said that there is no proposal to privatise electricity distribution in Karnataka. He said, “Our Energy Department is strong and capable of delivering reliable power supply to consumers. Our government stands with you (employees). Appropriate directions have already been issued regarding the privatisation issue, and accordingly, the Escoms have filed objections before KERC.”