KPTCL Accelerates Grid Expansion and Modernization to Support Karnataka’s Rising Power Demand

KPTCL Accelerates Grid Expansion and Modernization to Support Karnataka’s Rising Power Demand

The Electrical Post:

Bengaluru: Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has reinforced its position as the backbone of Karnataka's power infrastructure, highlighting significant progress in transmission network expansion, grid modernization and operational excellence during FY 2024-25. In the Chairman's message of the Annual Report 2024-25, Chairman Shri K. J. George emphasized the corporation's commitment to ensuring reliable, efficient and sustainable power transmission while supporting the state's economic growth and energy transition goals.

Karnataka continues to be one of India's fastest-growing states, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, digital infrastructure growth and increasing electricity consumption. Against this backdrop, KPTCL has been expanding and strengthening the state's transmission network to meet rising demand and facilitate seamless power evacuation from both conventional and renewable energy sources.

The corporation reported steady growth in its transmission infrastructure during the year. As of March 31, 2025, KPTCL operated approximately 44,318 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 1,437 substations across voltage levels ranging from 66 kV to 400 kV, compared with 42,990 circuit kilometers and 1,384 substations a year earlier. The network expansion reflects KPTCL's ongoing investments in strengthening grid connectivity and supporting Karnataka's growing energy requirements.

Operational performance remained strong during FY25. KPTCL achieved a system availability of 99.84%, significantly higher than the regulatory benchmark of 98%, demonstrating the reliability and resilience of Karnataka's transmission network. The corporation also maintained transmission losses at 2.95%, close to the previous year's level, despite the continuous expansion of the network and increasing power flows across the state.

Chairman Shri K. J. George highlighted that KPTCL's strategic focus extends beyond conventional transmission development. The corporation is increasingly investing in technology-driven grid management, digital monitoring systems, automation and asset optimization initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and improve service quality. These initiatives are expected to play a crucial role as Karnataka witnesses higher integration of renewable energy into the grid.

Karnataka remains one of the leading renewable energy states in India, with substantial solar and wind capacities. As renewable energy penetration increases, transmission infrastructure is becoming critical for maintaining grid stability and ensuring efficient evacuation of green power. KPTCL's ongoing modernization efforts are therefore aligned with the broader national objective of creating a flexible, reliable and future-ready electricity network.

A major part of this strategy is the Green Energy Corridor – Phase II, under which 10 projects have been taken up for the effective evacuation of renewable energy power at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,148 crore. Of these, three projects have already been commissioned, while the remaining works are under various stages of execution. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the transmission backbone required to support Karnataka's expanding renewable energy capacity.

KPTCL is also establishing new 400/220 kV substations at Yalwar, Peenya, Kadakola, Huliyurdurga, Dommasandra, Kadandale, Kushtagi and Adinarayanahosahalli to improve power evacuation and enhance system reliability across the state. These substations are expected to play a key role in meeting growing demand, reducing congestion and improving grid stability in both urban and rural areas.

In addition, the corporation has received government approval for Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) projects to attract private investment and expand the transmission network through M/s RECPDCL as Bid Process Coordinator (BPC). The projects include 400 kV substations at Kempegowda Layout in Bengaluru Urban district, Mekhali in Belagavi district and Hampapura in Mandya district; 220 kV substations at Devanahalli New, Hoskote New and Devangundi in Bengaluru Rural district; and evacuation schemes for the proposed 2,000 MW Pumped Storage Plant at Sharavathi and the 2,000 MW Solar Park at Ryapte in Tumakuru district. These projects are expected to accelerate infrastructure creation and support Karnataka's long-term energy transition.

Looking further ahead, KPTCL has proposed an Ultra High Voltage (UHV) system with a 765 kV transmission network at Kushtagi, Hiriyur and Doddaballapura to transmit around 12.58 GW of renewable energy to load centres. The proposed system is intended to address the growing scale of renewable generation and ensure efficient long-distance evacuation of green power across the state.

The corporation has also identified Green Energy Corridor – Phase III as a future priority. Under the forthcoming Government of India scheme, 39 transmission works have been identified to evacuate about 19 GW of renewable energy power in line with the State-approved Resource Adequacy Plan. The proposed phase is expected to significantly strengthen Karnataka's transmission preparedness for the next stage of renewable energy growth.

To further support grid flexibility and reliability, KPTCL is also planning a cumulative 500 MW / 1,000 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) under Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) on a Build-Own-Operate basis. The proposed BESS installations are planned at Guttur 400 kV in Davanagere district, Doni 400 kV in Gadag district, 220 kV Humnabad in Bidar district, 220 kV Aaheri in Vijayapura district, 220 kV Madhuvanahalli in Chamarajanagara district, 220 kV Mallat in Raichur district and 220 kV Shahapura in Yadgir district. The storage systems are expected to help balance intermittent renewable generation, improve peak management and enhance overall grid resilience.
 

Published at : Sep 06, 2026 07:01 AM (IST)

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