Bescom (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) is one of Karnataka’s largest power supply companies. Recently, the Karnataka electricity bills for the month of June have reported a hike in the tariff by ₹2.89. There was a 70 paisa per unit increase in electricity charges for the financial year 2023-24. The changes come in light of the State Government’s recently announced decision on free electricity for the first 200 units from the month of July under the Gruha Jyoti Scheme.
Simply put, when it comes to Karnataka electricity bills, the Gruha Jyoti Scheme intends to benefit households with low power consumption. Consequently, various households will benefit from it.
Take a look at the current electricity tariff in Karnataka that will help you understand Karnataka Electricity Bills better:
| Particulars | Details |
| Energy charges (per unit) | 0-100 units – ₹4.75/unitAbove 100 units – ₹7/unit |
| Fixed charge | 0-50 KW – ₹110Above 50 KW – ₹210 |
Many residents have reported 20% and 60% and above hikes in their usual electricity bills in Karnataka. Now, let’s understand how the electricity tariff in Bangalore is calculated and if it is likely to go down in the near future.
Why is the electricity bill high in Karnataka?
Several technical calculations lead to a usually high electricity bill in the state. So, let’s dig deep and check out the reasons behind it:
Hike in tariff by 70 paise per unit
On 12th May, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission accepted the tariff order. The tariff order increased the electricity charges by 70 paise per unit. The tariff implied the arrears for the month of April as well along with June.
As a result, the Karnataka electricity charges for the month of June also included the 70 paise per unit hike arrears of April, which increased the final payable bill.
Hike in fixed charges
The electricity bill also comprises a fixed charge. The fixed charge earlier was ₹100, which has now increased to ₹110 for 1-50 kilowatts and ₹210 for above 50 kilowatts. Hence, people who paid approximately ₹700 will now witness a hike of ₹500-600 on average.
FPPCA charges levied
As per the Indian Electricity Act, the center issued FPPCA (Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment) notification stating the state electricity boards to adjust the FPPCA charges every month. Previously, it was collected quarterly. Hence, the electricity bill for June also includes FPPCA charges of ₹1.49/unit and an additional charge of ₹1.81/unit for the month of July.
Technical errors
Bescom accepted that there were a few technical glitches and errors, and this is the reason why some residents received unusually hiked electricity bills while some reported negative bills. The company is hopeful that in the coming months, the glitches will subside.
Gruha Jyoti Scheme: The Much-Needed Relief
Amidst rising electricity bills along with a general rise in lifestyle expenses, many people are troubled due to the current power bills. However, there is a good hope of relief in the upcoming electricity bills. Here’s how the Karnataka electricity tariffs in the coming months will be lighter:
The State Government has announced good news for the residents of Karnataka with the Gruha Jyoti Scheme (helpline number – 1902) implemented from the month of July 2023. Under this scheme, power consumption of up to 200 units will be NIL/zero. This means you will only have to pay the electricity bill if it exceeds the limit of 200 units.
The Gruha Jyoti Scheme is great news for many people who have limited power consumption. Those who barely cross the limit of 200 units of electricity consumption in their household can now enjoy relief and better manage their electricity expenses. Unlike earlier, where the cost of 200 units was ₹7.15/unit, now there will be no charges till 200 units.
Note: If your household exceeds the limit of 200 units of power consumption, the charges will be as per the standard rate.
To Conclude
The Gruha Jyoti Scheme has become quite popular among the people in the state. The scheme not only intends to help households with low power consumption, but it will also motivate people to reduce their energy consumption so they do not exceed the limit. The scheme began in July 2023, and Karnataka is quite positive about the new electricity changes!
Know more about our AI Powered Meter Reading App!