Bangalore Electricity Supply Company plans to add 1,051 MW of solar power capacity by March 2026 after accelerating work on 157 projects under the KUSUM C scheme, officials said.

According to a senior Bescom official, 32 projects with a combined capacity of about 200 MW have already been completed. The utility expects solar capacity additions to reach around 500 MW by January 2026 and the full 1,051 MW by March. The projects are aimed at supplying solar power to agricultural pump sets, thereby reducing farmers’ dependence on the grid.

“These projects will provide solar power that will be supplied directly to agricultural pump sets, reducing reliance on traditional power supply,” the official said. While farmers currently receive nearly seven hours of power a day, many remain dissatisfied due to reliability and timing issues. Solar-powered pump sets are expected to address these concerns by offering more consistent supply.

Officials said reliable electricity remains a challenge for many farmers, with several seeking longer hours of power or supply at specific times. Solarisation of pump sets under KUSUM C is expected to improve both availability and flexibility of power for irrigation needs.

Bescom has also invited tenders for the generation of 2,520 MW of solar power across Karnataka. The state aims to generate 3,900 MW of solar power under the KUSUM C programme, with as many as 397 electricity substations expected to be solarised.

The initiative is projected to benefit around 0.67 million farmers across the state. In parallel, farmers are being encouraged to solarise their pump sets under KUSUM B, where the state subsidy has been increased to 50 per cent. Under this structure, farmers are required to pay only 20 per cent of the cost, with the remaining 30 per cent borne by the central government, officials said.