Karnataka Electricity Tariffs & DISCOM Regulations (2026-27)
Karnataka electricity tariffs are governed by KERC under a historic unified structure: multi-tier telescopic slabs were replaced with a single flat rate of ₹5.80/kWh for domestic consumers across all five ESCOMs. Under the state's Gruha Jyothi scheme, eligible domestic households enjoy free electricity up to 200 units per month, subject to average historical consumption caps.
Residential Electricity Tariff Slabs (Karnataka)
Statutory energy charges per kilowatt-hour (kWh) approved by KERC.
| Slab Sequence | Consumption Range (kWh) | Energy Rate (₹ / kWh) | Statutory Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slab 1 | All Domestic Units (LT-1) | ₹5.80 | Unified flat rate across all consumption levels (KERC consolidated single slab) |
Fixed Charges & Contracted Demand Schedule
Fixed charges are mandatory monthly or bi-monthly fees based on your sanctioned load (in kW), covering distribution network infrastructure maintenance irrespective of actual units consumed.
| Sanctioned Load Tier | Fixed Charge (₹) | Billing Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctioned Load (All kW) | ₹150.00 / kW / month | Per kW of contracted demand (FY 2026-27 rate) |
| Historical FY 2025-26 Reference | ₹145.00 / kW / month | Previous fiscal period fixed charge |
Surcharges, Power Adjustments & Electricity Duty
Quarterly fuel and power purchase cost adjustment determined by KERC based on thermal generation coal blending and short-term grid purchase costs.
Regulatory recovery surcharge approved by KERC for the period May 2026 to April 2027 to bridge past revenue deficits across the five ESCOMs.
Levied under the Karnataka Electricity Duty Act on gross energy charges and fixed demand charges.
Free Electricity Up to 200 Units/Month with Strict Cliff Threshold
The Karnataka Government provides 100% electricity subsidy for residential installations consuming up to 200 units per month. However, each household's free entitlement is customized: it equals their average monthly consumption over the preceding 12 months plus a 10% buffer, capped at 200 units.
Key Eligibility & Operational Rules:
- Consumption <= Entitled Units: Net bill is ₹0.00 (energy charges, fixed charges, FPPCA, and duty fully subsidized).
- Entitled Units < Consumption <= 200 Units: Consumer pays only for the incremental units exceeding their personalized entitlement.
- One installation per Aadhaar holder / domestic meter.
- Registration via Karnataka Seva Sindhu portal is mandatory to activate Gruha Jyothi benefits.
⚠️ Critical Threshold / Cliff Effect:
CRITICAL CLIFF EFFECT: If monthly consumption exceeds 200 units by even 1 kWh (e.g., 201 units), the entire Gruha Jyothi subsidy is forfeited. The consumer must pay for all 201 units at ₹5.80/kWh plus full fixed charges (₹150/kW), true-up surcharge, FPPCA, and 9% duty.
How Karnataka's Five ESCOMs Compare
While KERC mandates uniform retail tariffs across Karnataka, the five electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) serve vastly different demographic and economic landscapes:
Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited
Coverage: Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Ramanagara
Largest utility in Karnataka, accounting for over 50% of the state's total electricity consumption and revenue. High commercial/IT load density, extensive underground cabling, and highest smart meter rollout.
Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited
Coverage: Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru
Coastal and Western Ghats terrain with severe monsoon challenges. Serves port operations, coastal fisheries, and plantation estates with high transmission reliability standards.
Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited
Coverage: Dharwad, Belagavi, Gadag, Haveri, Uttara Kannada, Bagalkote, Vijayapura
Serves northwestern industrial-agricultural belt (textiles, sugar, and manufacturing). Heavy agricultural pump set demand in Krishna and Malaprabha river basins.
Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited
Coverage: Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara, Yadgir
Covers the Kalyana-Karnataka region with vast arid expanses. Major hub for cement plants, thermal power stations (Raichur, Bellary), and expanding grid-scale solar generation.
Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited
Coverage: Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Kodagu
Balances royal heritage urban demand in Mysuru, intense agricultural irrigation in the Cauvery basin (Mandya), and coffee estate power distribution in Kodagu.
Sample Monthly Bill: 150 kWh Consumption (2 kW Load, Non-Subsidized)
Scenario: Domestic household with 2 kW load consuming 150 units who has not opted into Gruha Jyothi or is paying standard rates.
| Bill Component | Calculation Formula | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Charges | 150 kWh × ₹5.80/kWh (Flat Rate) | ₹870.00 |
| Fixed Charges (2 kW Load) | 2 kW × ₹150.00/kW | ₹300.00 |
| FPPCA Surcharge | 150 kWh × ₹0.37/kWh | ₹55.50 |
| FY25 True-Up Recovery | 150 kWh × ₹0.56/kWh | ₹84.00 |
| Electricity Duty (9%) | 9% of Gross (₹1,309.50) | ₹117.86 |
| Estimated Total Bill (Effective Rate: ₹9.52/kWh) | ₹1427.36 | |
⚡ Calculate & Verify Your Karnataka Electricity Bill
Use our verified tariff calculator engine to estimate your bill down to the exact paisa, audit your monthly electricity statement for hidden surcharges, or evaluate rooftop solar payback.
Verification Provenance & Regulatory Notes
- Tariff rates verified against KERC Combined ESCOMS Retail Tariff Order Annexure 9 (LT-1 Domestic).
- KERC unified domestic slabs into a single flat rate of ₹5.80/kWh; older multi-slab structures (0-50, 51-100) are obsolete.
- Fixed charge of ₹150/kW/month applies per kW of sanctioned load across all five ESCOMs.
- Gruha Jyothi zero-bill status requires active Seva Sindhu registration and monthly consumption ≤ 200 units. For official billing inquiries, contact ESCOM customer desks or dial 1912.
Frequently Asked Questions: Karnataka Electricity Tariffs
Does Karnataka still have telescopic electricity slabs?
No. KERC replaced the traditional progressive slab system with a single unified flat rate of ₹5.80 per kWh for all domestic (LT-1) units consumed. Every domestic unit is charged at this uniform base rate before fixed charges, surcharges, and duties.
What happens under Gruha Jyothi if I use 201 units?
If your monthly consumption reaches 201 units, you trigger the cliff effect and lose the entire Gruha Jyothi subsidy for that billing cycle. You will be billed for all 201 units at ₹5.80/unit plus full fixed charges (₹150/kW), true-up charges, FPPCA, and 9% duty, resulting in a bill of approximately ₹1,900+.
How is my personalized Gruha Jyothi entitlement calculated?
Your entitled units are calculated by taking your average monthly consumption over the preceding 12 months (e.g., 100 units) and adding a 10% buffer (10 units), giving an entitlement of 110 units. If your monthly usage stays within 110 units, your bill is ₹0. Any usage between 111 and 200 units is billed only for the difference.
Distribution Companies in Karnataka (2)
BESCOM — Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited
Official Portal: https://bescom.karnataka.gov.in ↗
MESCOM — Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited
Official Portal: https://mescom.karnataka.gov.in ↗
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