Mangalore: D K Shivakumar urges people to adopt rooftop solar technology

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Updated

Mangalore, Mar 2: "The government has initiated a rooftop solar project, wherein power obtained from solar energy can be used for household needs, and surplus power is passed on to the electricity grid by meter.  Everyone should make optimum use of this system," said energy minister D K Shivakumar.

Addressing a press meet at Mescom office here on Sunday March 2, he said, "Consumers of rooftop solar energy will be paid Rs 8.40 per slab. Solar policy is new and people should come forward to implement it. The government will also educate people on this project. This project has been introduced for the benefit of the people, and it will be implemented in buildings in future.

"Farmers will get 7 hours electricity as subsidy of Rs 6,200 crore has been reserved in the recent budget. The government has planned to make Karnataka a power sufficient state for political stability and industrial growth, and partcularly to attract new investments," he added. 

"The government has strictly ordered all zilla panchayats, municipalities and corporations to sanction electricity for the purpose of drinking water within 24 hours of filing the application. Considering that exam times are approaching, officers have been directed to avoid load-shedding in the interest of students.
There may be sporadic power cuts due to technical issues but these will be exception," he added.
 
"Under the concept of ‘one nation one grid’, on March 4 we will sign an agreement to purchase 450 mw of power from Damodar valley project. Also, tenders will be called to buy 1000 mw of power on a long term basis and action will be taken accordingly. All states are welcome to take part," he said.
 
As per MLA J R Lobo’s demand, the government will have a new chief electrical inspectorate in Mangalore for four districts. Its office will be inaugurated very soon, he said.
 
J R Lobo and Mescom MD Govindappa were present.

Earlier Report

Udupi: No load-shedding during exam times - D K Shivakumar

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Mar 2: State minister for energy D K Shivakumar on Sunday March 2 inspected the Varahi hydro-electric power project of the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL). The four units of the powerhouse have a total capacity of generating 460 megawatts of power which is transmitted to Mangalore and Udupi.

Addressing media persons after inspecting the project, Shivakumar promised that there would be no load-shedding during exam times in the coming days so that students will not have to suffer.

"The coastal and malnad regions face frequent power cuts due to some technical issues. We will set it right and ensure that people do not face problems with regard to power supply," he said.

"I have directed the officials concerned to avoid load-shedding during exam times no matter what the situation," he added.

On plans to purchase more power from other states, he said, "On March 4 we will sign an agreement to purchase 450 mw of power from Damodar valley project in Kolkata. Also, tenders will be called to buy 1000 mw of power on a long term basis and action will be taken accordingly." He further said that Karnataka would purchase more power from other states if they are ready to sell it at a rate fixed by the state government.

He said that some of the small hydro, wind and solar power companies in the state have not been generating as much power as they had promised. "When told to explain, they give petty reasons. They have been showcause notices. We may cancel their licences or blacklist them if they do not transmit sufficient power," he said.

When asked if the power generated by UPCL goes to other places too, he said the issue had been brought to his notice by the local MLA, and that action would be taken to ensure that there is 24-hour power supply under Nirantara Jyoti scheme.

When reporters asked D K Shivakumar to respond to Bangalore Shantinagar MLA N A Haris that the Congress government was not doing enough for the minorities, especially in terms of representation in the cabinet, he said, "That is his opinion, it will not affect our chances in the election. Both at the state as well at the centre, we have given importance to minorities. For instance we have ministers like Rahman Khan at the centre and U T Khadar in the state cabinet."

He ealier visited Kollur temple to seek blessings. He then proceeded to Mangalore where he held a meeting with Mescom officials.