Power demand soars, Karnataka targets higher coal stocks, extra rakes to secure thermal power supply - The HinduPublished - August 14, 2026 11:15 pm IST - BengaluruA view of BTPS at Kuditini near Ballari | Photo Credit: File PhotoWith the State’s daily power demand ranging between 310 MU and 350 MU compared to around 200 MU in August 2025, KPCL officials stated that hydropower alone cannot meet the State’s total electricity demand due to inadequate rainfall. KPCL is now working to increase thermal power generation to around 100MU per day to meet the growing demand. KPCL has set a target of generating 29,500 MU of thermal power this year. However, three thermal units that are currently under maintenance, rain water accumulation in coal mines and wet coal during transportation from other States to Karnataka has posed a challenge.KPCL officials said the combined installed capacity of the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS), and Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) is 5,020 MW. At present, approximately 3,910 MW of generation capacity is available, while three units are currently under maintenance.An official informed that a 800 MW unit at YTPS is expected to resume generation on August 24 after annual maintenance. In addition, a 210 MW unit at RTPS is expected to resume generation on August 31. With the restoration of these units, the available generation capacity is expected to increase to approximately 4,810 MW by the end of August.Last year, KPCL generated 15,509 MU of hydropower and 21,693 MU of thermal power. This year, up to the end of July, KPCL has generated 3,480 MU of hydropower. The current equivalent energy—the electricity that can potentially be generated from the water stored in the reservoirs—is 4,585 MU, taking the total available hydropower potential to approximately 8,065 MU. If the State receives good rainfall during August and September, the available equivalent energy could increase to around 10,000 MU.Coal transportation a challengeOfficials also said the recent rains had made handling and transportation of coal from outside Karnataka difficult. Further, water accumulation in coal mines can affect mining and coal dispatch, impact loading and unloading operations.Current status of coalOfficials said the thermal power stations have sufficient coal stock for approximately 15 days - around 6.5 lakh metric tonnes . The daily coal requirement across various thermal power stations is approximately 44,000 metric tonnes, while 50,000 metric tonnes of coal are being received daily.KPCL is also taking steps to increase coal stocks to 15–18 days, said officials, adding that Coal India Limited has agreed to supply coal as per the State’s requirements. The Railways has also agreed to allocate the required number of empty rakes for transporting coal from the mines to KPCL’s thermal power stations.In addition, KPCL is planning to increase coal production from Baranj Captive Coal Mine in Nagpur, Maharashtra, to further strengthen fuel security and ensure a reliable coal supply.Published - August 14, 2026 11:15 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }