Karnataka's Energy Department, after a high‑level review on Thursday, instructed all electricity supply companies to push solar, wind and thermal generation to their limits. The directive comes as the state grapples with dwindling reservoir levels and an El Niño‑driven deficit in monsoon rainfall that has crippled its hydroelectric plants.

Current Crisis and Its Roots

El Niño has left the state’s major river basins unusually dry, slashing inflows to key reservoirs. The Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project, which can generate 1,035 MW under normal water conditions, is now producing a meagre 100 MW. Consequently, hydro’s share in Karnataka’s power mix has slipped to roughly 10 % this season – about half the five‑year average.

Immediate Procurement from Cogeneration Units

Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta ordered rapid power‑purchase agreements with private cogeneration plants. These facilities, which co‑produce electricity alongside industrial processes, can collectively add around 2,000 MW of capacity. That would bridge a sizable portion of the baseload gap left by under‑performing hydro plants and complement the three major thermal stations in Raichur and Ballari that together supply about 5,000 MW daily.

Scaling Up Thermal, Solar and Wind

Thermal plants have already been asked to operate at over 90 % efficiency, while the state has floated fresh tenders for solar and wind projects targeting an additional 3,500 MW of renewable capacity within two years. This aggressive push not only buffers the water‑related shortfall but also aligns Karnataka with India’s broader carbon‑reduction commitments.

Lessons from 2023 and Future Outlook

In 2023, a similar monsoon deficit forced Karnataka to import roughly 1,000 MW from private producers and neighboring northern states such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to avoid blackouts. Learning from that episode, the government now seeks long‑term contracts with cogeneration plants, reducing reliance on emergency power‑banking.

Energy analysts warn that without a significant rebound in water storage, the state could face renewed load‑shedding during the scorching summer months. By diversifying its mix with cogeneration and renewable sources, Karnataka is building a more resilient grid that can better withstand climate‑induced variability.