The Karnataka government recently announced the budget for the financial year 2026-27 for the state. Under the budget, the government introduced a new feeder-level solarisation programme, Mukhya Mantri Saura Krishi Yojane, under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Component C. Under the programme, the government aims to set up 3 GW of feeder-level solarisation projects at substations of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation under the renewable energy service company model. The initiative involves an outlay of Rs 105 billion.
Furthermore, the government also aims to implement 2,777 MW of solar projects under PM-KUSUM Component C this year. Some other announcements made under the budget include the plan to generate 4 GW of energy through solar microgrids under the Anantha programme. These microgrids will be set up across all gram panchayats in the state. The projects will be developed through a public-private partnership model.
Additionally, the government plans to set up an extra 2 GWh of battery storage capacity at the Huliyur, Pavagada, and Kushtagi substations, with an estimated investment of Rs 34 billion. To promote the adoption of electric vehicles, the state has proposed setting up 1,250 EV charging stations in public places with support from distribution companies under the PM–E–Drive programme, at an estimated cost of Rs 7.77 billion.
