Kusum-C scheme focuses on solar power generation: Minister George

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Energy Minister and District In-charge Minister K.J. George announced that the state is emphasising solar power generation under the Kusum-C scheme to meet the growing electricity demand and provide daytime electricity to farmers' agricultural pump sets. Speaking to the media on Sunday, George said that the Kusum-B scheme would provide solar pump sets to farmers, while the Kusum-C scheme focuses on solarising the feeders that supply power to agricultural pump sets.

Under this scheme, private-public partnerships will generate solar power and supply it to farmers. Currently, the state faces a demand of 17,500 megawatts of electricity. To meet this demand, efforts are being made through solar-powered agricultural pumps and feeder solarisation under the Kusum-C scheme. This will enable efficient power distribution to farmers and meet electricity needs. George further explained that 4 acres of land would be required to generate 1 megawatt of solar power.

Government land would be provided free of charge to contractors, who must pay ?25,000 per acre annually. These funds will be used for the development of government schools, anganwadis, or water supply projects in villages with solar units. In the absence of government land, private land will be acquired with an annual payment of ?25,000 per acre to the landowners. Addressing transformer shortages, George assured there is no shortage in the state. Transformer banks have been set up statewide, and any issues can be resolved within 72 hours by calling the toll-free number 1912.

He also mentioned that out of 4.5 lakh illegal pump sets, 2.5 lakh have already been regularised, and efforts are underway to regularise the remaining ones. For borewells within 500 meters of power lines, regular connections will be provided, while solar connections will be provided under the Kusum-B scheme for those beyond 500 meters. George also mentioned that the Republic Day celebrations included a three-day exhibition showcasing the state’s culture and food practices.