Bengaluru's Key Gas Power Plant Faces Shutdown as Gas Supply is Suspended
Production at the Yelahanka Gas Power Plant in North Bengaluru, a crucial facility for managing peak electricity loads in the city between December and April, will be severely impacted. The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has decided to halt gas supply to the unit starting Wednesday, forcing the plant to shut down operations.
Plant Operations and Capacity Details
The state's first gas-based power plant has been generating 370 megawatts of electricity daily for the Bengaluru grid since its commissioning in September 2024. Of this total installed capacity, 236.82 MW is produced through a gas turbine while 133.22 MW comes from a steam turbine generator. The facility typically produces approximately 2,600 to 2,700 million units of electricity annually, operating at an impressive 85% plant load factor.
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has been purchasing power from the Yelahanka plant at approximately ₹8 per kilowatt-hour, despite the relatively higher cost, to support the city's growing energy demands.
Official Response and Alternative Arrangements
Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, has sought to allay fears of an impending crisis, stating that the government is fully prepared to handle this "unforeseen" situation. "The government has put in place enough measures, including barter of energy from other states such as Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, to meet the surging demand," Gupta explained.
An engineer familiar with the plant's operations confirmed that Bengaluru's electricity load would be met through other sources. "In the absence of gas supply, we have to shut the plant just like any other thermal plant which is closed due to outages. This will not impact Bengaluru as its load would be met through other plants, including thermal and hydel plants, along with abundant renewable energy during summer months."
Reasons Behind the Gas Supply Suspension
Sources within the energy department have confirmed that the ongoing crisis in West Asia has affected gas availability. "GAIL authorities expressed difficulty in supplying gas to the power station until further notice, as they put in place a policy or protocol prioritizing domestic and other users. The supply will be cut off from Wednesday," explained an official from the energy department.
Officials clarified that GAIL will now supply gas on priority to:
- Domestic consumers
- Fertilizer industry
- Commercial establishments
- Automobiles
- Industries
- Other power plants
The Yelahanka Gas Power Plant had been serving as an essential backup to manage peak electricity loads in Bengaluru during the critical months from December through April. Its shutdown represents a significant development in the city's energy infrastructure, though officials maintain that alternative arrangements will prevent any disruption to power supply for Bengaluru residents and businesses.
