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Key Points

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal conducted a detailed review of Karnataka's power sector, focusing on financial stability and infrastructure improvements. He urged the state to accelerate smart meter installation, especially in government establishments, by August 2025. The minister also stressed the need for cost-reflective tariffs and timely subsidy clearances to reduce losses. Additionally, he praised Karnataka's progress in renewable energy while assuring central support for further development.

Key Points: Manohar Lal Pushes Karnataka for Smart Meter Rollout and Power Reforms

  • Reviewed Karnataka's power generation and distribution challenges
  • Urged faster smart meter rollout by 2025
  • Pushed for cost-reflective tariffs and subsidy reforms
  • Praised state's renewable energy progress
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Union Minister Manohar Lal reviews power sector of Karnataka, urges financial reforms and faster smart meter rollout

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal reviews Karnataka's power sector, stressing financial reforms, smart meter expansion, and renewable energy growth.

"The State must expedite smart metering and resolve financial losses in power utilities – Manohar Lal"

New Delhi, May 23

In order to discuss several power and infrastructure-related issues, Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal conducted a comprehensive review of the power sector in the State of Karnataka on Friday.

An official statement by the Ministry of Power said that Manohar Lal reviewed the state's detailed presentation on the current status of power generation, transmission, and distribution in Karnataka.

The statement also mentioned that issues such as generation mix, challenges in Right of Way (RoW) for transmission infrastructure, and the need for support in improving distribution infrastructure were also discussed.

The Union Minister also emphasised a better understanding of ground-level issues and exploring new initiatives to strengthen the state's power supply.

Manohar Lal also congratulated the state for its increasing share of renewable energy in the power mix, as mentioned in the official statement.

The minister also urged the State to take steps to reduce annual financial losses of its power utilities and work towards implementing cost-reflective tariffs.

During the review meeting, Manohar Lal underlined the importance of the timely clearance of dues and subsidies related to Government departments. He advised the State to saturate prepaid smart meters across all Government establishments, including local bodies and colonies, by August 2025.

The statement also said that the Union Minister emphasised the need for a centralised payment mechanism for efficient management of Government electricity dues.

Shri Manohar Lal further directed the State to expedite the rollout of smart metering for commercial, industrial, and other consumer categories in a time-bound manner. He advised early resolution of RoW issues impeding transmission infrastructure and called for the adoption of the compensation mechanism issued by the Government of India.

The Union Minister assured continued support from the Government of India for strengthening the power sector in Karnataka and reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to the welfare and development of the State and its people.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see focus on Karnataka's power sector! Smart meters are much needed to reduce losses and improve efficiency. But government should also ensure these meters are accurate - we've seen faulty meters issue bills 2-3 times higher than actual usage in some states. Proper testing before rollout is must!
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Priya M.
As a Bangalorean, I welcome this review. Our city faces frequent power cuts despite paying high tariffs. Hope this leads to concrete improvements. The renewable energy focus is praiseworthy 🌱 but implementation needs to be faster. Solar power can be game-changer for Karnataka!
S
Suresh V.
Financial reforms in power sector are long overdue. Many state electricity boards are drowning in debt due to freebies and subsidies. While helping poor is important, unsustainable policies hurt everyone in long run. Hope Karnataka implements cost-reflective tariffs sensibly.
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Ananya R.
August 2025 deadline for smart meters seems ambitious! In my apartment complex, we've been waiting for meter replacement since 2 years. Government needs to fix basic infrastructure first - many areas don't even have proper power lines. First things first!
V
Vikram J.
Centralised payment mechanism is excellent idea! Currently different departments have different procedures leading to delays. One unified system will bring transparency and accountability. Hope other states also adopt this model soon.
M
Meena S.
While reforms are good, government must ensure poor households aren't burdened. Many families in rural Karnataka already struggle to pay bills. Smart meters should come with proper awareness campaigns and flexible payment options for low-income groups.

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