Bengaluru: Electricity supply companies in Karnataka have collected Rs 277 Crore worth of dues from the consumers after Minister for Energy D K Shivakumar announced facilitating the power consumers to pay electricity dues through demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000.
Minister D K Shivakumar said the electricity supply companies in the state would accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes till November 24. “Farmers, who have opted for regularisation of their irrigation pump set connection can utilise this opportunity by paying the remaining dues through Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes,’’ Minister Shivakumar disclosed.
Power Position Satisfactory
The minister said the power position in the state was satisfactory and the demand for power supply stands at 9000 MW. “The energy ministry has made arrangements to procure 900 MW of power,’’ the minister added.
He said that 28 sugar factories had come forward to supply power and the government would take a decision on the rate of amount to be paid to the sugar factories for supplying power generated through cogeneration.
Shivakumar said the issue of erecting 300 kv station near Yelahanka had been resolved by fixing the compensation to the farmers for erection of towers and corridor at the agreed rate of 85 per cent of the market price for 46 metre diameter corridor and 15 per cent of the market value for the erection of tower.
“The farmers have gone to the court demanding higher compensation. Now they have agreed to withdraw cases thus facilitating the completion of the work. The deputy commissioner will fix the rate of compensation for acquiring the land and the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited will pay the compensation. With the establisment of the power station, the power problem in Bengaluru North will be solved,’’ the minister assured.
