Bengaluru: Faced with shrinking reservoir levels and a sharp decline in hydropower generation due to deficient monsoon rains, Karnataka has dramatically ramped up electricity generation from its thermal power plants, recording a 55% jump in output compared to the same period last year to keep the lights on across the State.The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) is now generating an average of 84.34 million units (MU) of thermal power every day in July, up from 54.47 MU a day during the corresponding period last year. The state-run corporation is now gearing up to increase thermal generation to 100 MU per day in the coming days as it braces for continued pressure on hydropower production. Energy minister K J George said thermal power plants have been put on high alert to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the face of rising demand.The surge in thermal generation comes at a time when poor rainfall has reduced reservoir inflows, severely affecting hydropower generation. Officials said maximising output from the state’s three thermal power stations is aimed at avoiding expensive power purchases from other States while ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.KPCL has also stepped up coal supplies and ensured that all thermal generating units remain in peak operating condition. While coal stocks last year were sufficient to support 12 days of generation, they have now been increased to 15 days. The corporation is also taking steps to build stocks sufficient for 20 days of operation by arranging the receipt of 17-18 coal rakes every day, according to P Rajendra Cholan, IAS, managing director, KPCL.Among the three thermal stations, the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) recorded the highest year-on-year increase, generating an average of 24.45 MU per day in July 2026, compared with 13.12 MU per day in July 2025. The Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) generated an average of 33.64 MU per day this July, up from 25.35 MU during the same period last year. Likewise, the Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) increased its average daily generation to 26.25 MU in July 2026 from 16 MU per day in July 2025.
