Udupi: Minister of Energy K J George stressed the importance of swift replacement of damaged transformers. He highlighted the collaboration between forest personnel and MESCOM to preemptively clear trees posing a threat to power lines before the onset of monsoon at a review meeting at the DC office on Tuesday.

Minister George clarified that there is currently no proposal before the government regarding the expansion of the Udupi Thermal Power (UPCL) Plant, which is coal-based. The government is procuring 1,000 megawatts of power from UPCL at a rate of Rs 6 to Rs 6.5 per unit. Due to insufficient rainfall, thermal plants had to generate 4,000 megawatts. To address the issue of ash production, cost washing is proposed to reduce ashes and prevent power outages.

The minister mentioned that power is being acquired from Punjab and UP through a barter system. He also highlighted the government's recent decision to add 10 units, benefiting 70 lakh families under the Griha Jyoti Yojana, rather than opting for a 10 percent increase.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna urged Minister George to minimize disruptions during SSLC and PUC examinations. Additionally, he advocated allocating Rs 6 crore annually for the maintenance of Brahmavara substations. Suvarna proposed making solar heaters mandatory for new house constructions.