# Karnataka faces power cuts as demand surges to 20,094 MW 2026-09-22T04:13:57+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Karnataka is experiencing power outages as daily demand has risen by 2,000-3,000 MW, reaching a peak of 20,094 MW on September 11, 2026, the highest recorded so far. New Indian Express reports that while ESCOM staff and consumers point to power cuts, energy department officials say maintenance outages are underway. The demand spike is attributed to rising temperatures and a poor monsoon, with hydro reservoirs only 60% full, shifting load to thermal and renewable sources. Solar generation on September 21 was 32.34 million units, wind 13.55 MU, and thermal 78.35 MU. Deccan Herald reports that Energy Minister K J George assured the Legislative Council on Wednesday that the government will try to restore seven-hour power supply in rural areas once its commitments to other states end this month. He stated the government currently restricts supply to six hours, and there is no excess generation, forcing power purchases from other states and exchanges. George also said the government will act against illegal transformer connections and consider stopping power to farmers who have not paid deposits. ## Indian Opinion Analysis New Indian Express frames the power cuts as a crisis of inadequate preparation, quoting ESCOM sources who say the government took few preventive steps despite known El Nino and drought impacts. Deccan Herald frames the situation as a manageable shortfall, leading with the minister's assurance of restoration by month-end and focusing on illegal connections as a cause. The contrast is sharp: one story highlights official inaction, the other government action. The balanced reading is that the crisis is real but time-bound, and the 60% reservoir level and end-of-month expiry of power commitments will be decisive. Note: Word count not included as per instructions. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com (government critical) Leads with power cuts and quotes ESCOM sources blaming government inaction - deccanherald.com (pro government) Leads with minister's assurance, highlights government response and enforcement Tags: ESCOM, Karnataka, Karnataka Energy Department, Sharavathi Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-faces-3000-mw-shortfall-as-power-demand-surges/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-faces-3000-mw-shortfall-as-power-demand-surges/#story-in-brief