Is Bengaluru Heading for Frequent Power Cuts? Iran-US War Triggers Gas Supply Alarm

Bengaluru Power Cut: In a major setback, Bengaluru's Yelahanka Gas Power Plant, a crucial backup facility that helps manage peak electricity demand between December and April, is facing gas supply crunch. The plant has reportedly halted operations after Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) stopped supplying gas to the unit, as the ongoing Iran-United States tensions disrupted gas availability.

The state's first gas-based powerplant has been generating 370 MW of electricity daily for the Bengaluru grid since September 2024. The plant was supposed to shut its operations from Wednesday after gas supply suspension, reported news agency ANI.

Bengaluru Power Cuts

The reported shutdown has come days after Karnataka's capital Bengaluru, faced power disruptons last week due to maintenance work. The power cuts, last week in certain Bengaluru localities were due to maintenance work by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM). The recent halt of operations at Yelahanka Gas Power plant has raised concerns about power supply in Bengaluru and across Karnataka.

Will the Yelahanka Plant Shutdown Lead to Frequent Bengaluru Power Cuts?

No, it will not have an immediate impact on Bengaluru's power supply, hence will not directly affect Bengaluru power cut frequency. The energy requirement for the Karnataka capital will be met from other power plants, reported Times of India citing an official aware of the matter.

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) used to procure power from the Yelahanka Gas Power Plant at around Rs 8 per kWh. The plant primarily served as a backup facility during periods when electricity demand in the city exceeded regular supply. However, the plant is now likely to remain shut due to ongoing gas supply outages, raising concerns about managing peak power demand in Bengaluru.

"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," TOI quoted an engineer. Goodreturns couldn't independently verify the development.

Iran-US War Fuels Concerns Over Power Supply Disruptions

The disruption of crude oil and gas supply through Strait of Hormuz because of ongoing Iran-US war has raised the risk of wider fuel supply crunch in the country. The Indian government has invoked powers under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The centre has made it clear that domestic piped natural gas (PNG), LPG production, CNG used for transport, and essential pipeline operations will get priority for the allocation of natural gas.

Several reports have indicated LPG cylinder shortage across the country. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has completely stopped the gas supply to the Yelahanka gas-based power plant since March 12, 6:00 am.

While, the shutdown of the power plant may not have an immediate impact on Bengaluru power supply, but it would lead to power supply disruptions in some Karnataka districts. Karnataka's daily electricity demand currently stands at around 355 million units, which is being met through a mix of thermal and hydel power plants, solar and wind energy, and power drawn from the Central grid.