Karnataka hydel storage at 14.9% capacity, second lowest in a decade

Bengaluru: Karnataka's hydel power reservoirs have recorded their second-lowest storage level in the past ten years, as a deficit monsoon continues to affect the state's power sector. As of 8 a.m. on Friday, July 3, the cumulative storage in the three major hydel reservoirs — Linganamakki, Supa, and Mani — stood at only 14.9% of their full capacity, according to data from the Energy Department.

This is a sharp decline from 44.05% storage during the same period last year. The only time storage was lower in the last decade was in 2023, when a severe drought brought the level down to 12.55%.

Although storage was also low at 14.88% during the corresponding period in 2022, heavy rainfall in catchment areas quickly raised it to 15.65% the next day and to 44.8% by mid-July. This year, however, inflows remain weak.

The current storage can generate only 1,295 million units (MU) of electricity, compared to 3,828 MU during the same period last year. A reservoir-wise breakdown shows a grim picture: Linganamakki dam has only 10.92% storage (down from 45.4% last year), with inflows of 11,485 cusecs against 45,070 cusecs last year. Supa dam holds 20.18% storage (down from 41.25%), with inflows of 1,825 cusecs versus 36,872 cusecs last year. Mani dam has 16.4% storage (down from 46.83%), and currently reports no inflows.

Power experts warn that continued low storage could create cascading problems for the state's power management. Karnataka relies heavily on hydel energy for managing peak load demand, as it is more economical than other sources. A failure of the monsoon may force the state to purchase costly power to meet shortages in the coming months.

Last year, robust hydel storage from heavy rains helped the state manage peak loads even when demand hit a record 18,650 MW during summer.

Rainfall in June was 42% below normal. The southwest monsoon, which accounts for 73–75% of the state's annual rainfall, is crucial for water availability. The northeast monsoon contributes only 23–25%.