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Karnataka seeks power from Assam as southern states grapple with shortages
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 19 Sep 2026, 09:15 AM
👁 13
Facing a growing electricity deficit, Karnataka is turning to Assam for power supplies, a move mirrored by other southern states confronting similar shortfalls.
Karnataka's electricity department has announced plans to procure power from the northeastern state of Assam, aiming to alleviate the mounting supply gap that has been affecting households and industries across the state. The decision comes as several southern states report comparable shortages, prompting a coordinated search for reliable inter‑state sources.
Assam, which enjoys a relatively higher generation capacity due to its hydro and thermal plants, is being approached for a power purchase arrangement that could be routed through the national grid. Officials indicated that the move is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and reduce dependence on traditional generators.
State authorities are in discussions with the central power ministry and Assam's power utilities to finalize the terms of the agreement, including the volume of electricity and the duration of the supply. While details remain under negotiation, the initiative reflects a growing trend of inter‑regional cooperation to address India's seasonal power deficits.
The Karnataka government has urged other southern states to consider similar arrangements, emphasizing that collaborative procurement could help stabilize the grid and prevent load‑shedding during peak demand periods.
Assam, which enjoys a relatively higher generation capacity due to its hydro and thermal plants, is being approached for a power purchase arrangement that could be routed through the national grid. Officials indicated that the move is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and reduce dependence on traditional generators.
State authorities are in discussions with the central power ministry and Assam's power utilities to finalize the terms of the agreement, including the volume of electricity and the duration of the supply. While details remain under negotiation, the initiative reflects a growing trend of inter‑regional cooperation to address India's seasonal power deficits.
The Karnataka government has urged other southern states to consider similar arrangements, emphasizing that collaborative procurement could help stabilize the grid and prevent load‑shedding during peak demand periods.