How power supply came to Bangalore

How power supply came to Bangalore
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: A 100 years of lighting up Bangalore. While the recently founded Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) celebrates its third anniversary this year, the occasion also marks the centenary of electricity supply to this tech capital.

The tale begins in 1902 when the Seshadri Iyer Power Station was built at a tender amount of 1,11,301 pound sterling at Shivanasamudram by the erstwhile Mysore State government with the sole objective of supplying power to the Kolar Gold Fields.

It was the vision of the then Diwan of Mysore State K Seshadri Iyer and Chief Engineer McNeal Campbell and the industry and supervision of Deputy Chief Engineer A C J Lotebiniere that turned the Maharaja's dream of hydel power generation in the state into reality. The station was built by General Electric of USA.

The construction material, electrical and hydraulic equipment was transported from Bangalore to Maddur by rail and from there to the site by horse carriages and elephants. The horse carriages were hired for one rupee per month.

Once Cauvery-II stage of the station was operational in November 1903, an additional 2,000 HP generation was available. This made power supply to the city of Bangalore possible. On Lotebinere's directions, Works Chief Engineer A McHutchins submitted a project proposal.

McHuthins' enviable foresight was so true to this day that his report is remembered even now. The prelude reads thus: “The people of Bangalore city are very keen to receive power supply...... The Gold Fields may not remain operational forever, they will close down... As an alternative we should establish industries in Bangalore and supply electricity.....The State may not benefit much, but during drought, workers will serve in industries and earn a livelihood without the State's help.''

The Maharaja was so impressed by the proposal, that he gave his consent on May 30, 1904. The cost of the project was Rs 7,46,000. Two transformer banks were set up in Shivanasamudra and Bangalore along with the switching equipment. The ‘M' station (which has now disappeared off the city map) was built close to the Bangalore Fort to receive the transmitted power.

Bangalore received power supply for the first time on August 5, 1905. It became the first city in Indian history to light up on hydel energy.

Now the question was the price at which to sell the electricity. After much thought, the administrators decided to charge a flat rate of one-rupee- two-annas per month for each 16 candle bulb installed. It did not matter whether the bulb was permanently switched on, or off. You install, you pay.

The Government of Mysore Electrical Department (GOMED) earned Rs 36,476 in the first year of power supply to the city. The total cost incurred was Rs 5,86,120. Soon 1,395 electric streetlights were installed in the city in place of the lanterns.

What is now called ‘A' Station at Anand Rao Circle was built in 1920 by the Bangalore Light and Power Company. It is the oldest surviving receiving station in the city.

COURTESY: GAJANANA SHARMA, AUTHOR OF BELKAYITHU KARNATAKA