Bengaluru, 29 June

Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George said on Monday that there was no proposal to privatise electricity distribution in Karnataka, emphasising that the State’s energy department is capable of delivering a reliable power supply.

He was speaking at a felicitation programme organised at Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds by the Federation of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees’ Unions and Associations.

Responding to reports that Tata Power Company has applied to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking a licence to distribute electricity in Karnataka, George said, "Appropriate directions have already been issued regarding the privatisation issue and accordingly the ESCOMs have filed objections before the KERC."

He stressed that the Karnataka Energy Department is strong and the government will stand with the employees.

"We are in no way inferior to any private company. We have come here to serve the people. Therefore, the question of privatisation does not arise," he clarified.

George said the energy department has already prepared visionary plans, including a roadmap to ensure energy security for the next 25 years.

He said the government has established solar parks on 10,000 acres in partnership with farmers, and they have come forward to provide another 10,000 acres.