Karnataka to penalise developers overloading power grid
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Karnataka government has directed KPTCL to crack down on developers of large apartment complexes and commercial projects who have not set up dedicated substations, overloading the public electricity network. This follows complaints from resident welfare associations and aims to enforce KERC regulations.
Background
Under KERC regulations, residential and commercial projects with a sanctioned electrical load exceeding 7.5 MVA must create dedicated substations and related infrastructure at their own cost before obtaining permanent power supply. Many developers have failed to comply, burdening the existing public network.
Key facts
Karnataka energy department directed KPTCL to act against developers who haven't established mandatory electrical infrastructure.
Projects with sanctioned load >7.5 MVA must create dedicated substations at own cost.
Nearly 45 such projects identified in Bengaluru; notices issued.
Penalty: 10% of project cost for non-compliance.
Further action includes disconnection of power supply if transmission constraints persist.
KPTCL MD directed all divisions to identify non-compliant projects.
Prelims pointers
- Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL)
- Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC)
- Sanctioned electrical load threshold: 7.5 MVA
- Penalty: 10% of project cost
- Self-execution (SE) projects
Mains angles
- GS3: Infrastructure – Energy – Regulatory challenges in power distribution
- GS2: State government policies and regulatory bodies
- GS3: Urbanisation and pressure on public utilities