Mangaluru: Karnataka is currently facing unannounced power cuts as electricity demand rises amid soaring temperatures and a severe monsoon deficit. The state’s daily electricity requirement has reached 19,140 MW, while total generation stands at 18,889 MW, leaving a shortfall of 251 MW.

The shortage has also led to scheduled power interruptions in parts of Mangaluru on September 15, with the electricity supply company carrying out routine maintenance on four feeders.

Power demand rises amid weak monsoon

The state’s power situation has come under pressure as the prolonged shortage of rainfall has pushed temperatures higher across several regions. With the weather remaining hot and humid, households and commercial establishments are increasingly relying on air conditioners, coolers and other cooling appliances, resulting in a sharp increase in electricity consumption.

The present demand of 19,140 MW is significantly higher than the available generation of 18,889 MW. The resulting 251 MW gap has contributed to unannounced load shedding in some parts of the state.

Officials have indicated that the situation is temporary and that efforts are being made to manage the available power resources more efficiently. Supply is being balanced, particularly during peak consumption periods, when demand is at its highest.

The key peak-demand periods are between 6 am and 8 am and again between 6 pm and 9 pm. During these hours, electricity consumption increases substantially as households and businesses use more appliances.

Generator faults add to Karnataka’s power shortage

The supply situation has been further affected by technical problems at some of Karnataka’s thermal power generation facilities.

Generators at the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) and Yellapur thermal power plant have reported technical glitches, reducing the state’s available generation capacity.

At the same time, Karnataka is receiving reduced power from Central Generating Stations (CGS), adding further pressure on the state’s electricity supply system.

The combination of higher demand, lower generation from some plants and reduced central allocation has made it difficult to maintain uninterrupted supply in all areas.

Officials are therefore attempting to distribute the available electricity by managing supply according to demand patterns and prioritising peak hours.

Power return obligation adds to pressure

Another factor contributing to the current situation is Karnataka’s earlier power-sharing arrangement with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Under the agreement, Karnataka is required to return electricity to the two states during the monsoon period. The power had been borrowed during the summer months when Karnataka faced higher demand.

The obligation comes at a time when the state is already dealing with increased consumption and lower-than-normal rainfall.

Reservoir management has also become an important concern. Authorities need to retain adequate water in reservoirs to ensure sufficient availability for power generation and other requirements in the coming months. With the monsoon deficit raising concerns over water availability, the state has to carefully balance immediate electricity demand with the need to avoid a more serious shortage next summer.

Mangaluru to face scheduled power cut on September 15

Meanwhile, residents in several parts of Mangaluru will face a scheduled power interruption on September 15 due to maintenance work.

Power supply will remain suspended from 10 am to 5 pm as maintenance work is undertaken on the Ekkur New, Gorigudda, Naguri and Pumpwell feeders.

The interruption is part of routine feeder maintenance and is separate from the broader issue of unannounced load shedding being reported in different parts of Karnataka.

Residents and establishments in the affected areas have been advised to make necessary arrangements in advance, particularly those dependent on electricity for business operations, water pumping, communication systems and other essential activities.

Areas affected by the power interruption

The scheduled power cut will affect several localities and establishments in and around Mangaluru.

The affected areas include Sneha School, Gorigudda, Ekkur Junction, Guruprasad Lane, Ujjodi, Northern Sky, Pumpwell, Maruti Garage, Reliance, Nekkaremar, Vishwas Bhavan, Gold Palace, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Maroli, Padil, Alape, Meghanagar, Naguri, Garodi, Netravati Layout, Capitanio, Red Building, Railway Station, CAD Centre, Indian Hospital, Nitte Education and Mahaveer Circle, along with surrounding areas.

Residents in these locations can expect the interruption between 10 am and 5 pm on September 15. The timing may affect households during daytime hours, while commercial establishments and educational institutions in the affected areas may also need to plan their operations accordingly.

Power situation remains under watch

The current electricity shortage comes at a challenging time for Karnataka, with the combination of high temperatures, weak monsoon conditions and reduced generation putting pressure on the power system.

While officials have described the disruptions as temporary, the situation will depend on electricity demand, restoration of generation capacity at affected power plants and the availability of power from central sources. Rainfall and reservoir levels will also remain important factors in determining the state’s power position in the coming weeks.

For Mangaluru residents, the September 15 interruption is a planned maintenance-related shutdown, but the wider state-level shortage could continue to result in temporary power disruptions in other areas as authorities work to balance electricity supply and demand.