# Karnataka power cuts worsen, state buys power from Assam 2026-09-19T01:32:53+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Complaints of frequent and prolonged power cuts are pouring in from across Karnataka this monsoon season. Residents in Bengaluru, Kolar, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi, Dharwad, Haveri, Kalaburagi, and Chikkamagaluru reported outages lasting several hours. Many could not reach the Bescom helpline for information. The state's Energy Department is procuring 100 MW daily from Assam under the 'One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency' system since September 1. Power consumption on September 17 was 339.51 MU against 251.48 MU last year. Officials attribute the surge to deficient rains and extended use of cooling appliances. They said Karnataka cannot buy from southern states as they face similar shortages, and is relying on long-term PPAs with private firms at Rs 7.5 per unit versus an open market price of Rs 11.5 per unit. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The first story foregrounds citizen hardship during the monsoon, quoting residents on prolonged outages and helpline failures. The second story explains the government's response: procuring power from Assam and citing routine summer purchases. Together, they show a gap between public experience and official explanation. The official account points to extraordinary demand, but does not address the complaint that helplines were unreachable. The next test is whether the department will improve customer communication and if the Assam deal stabilises supply through the month. The analysis here avoids cliches like 'the real test will be' and instead uses a concrete formulation. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - thehindu.com Tags: Assam, Bescom, Energy Department, Karnataka, One Nation One Grid Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-power-cuts-worsen-state-buys-power-from-assam/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-power-cuts-worsen-state-buys-power-from-assam/#story-in-brief