Karnataka: Electricity bills to rise from April, but Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries unaffected | Bengaluru
Households and businesses in Karnataka will see an increase in their electricity bills from April, as the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved a hike in fixed charges for the next three years. The revised tariffs will be reflected in electricity bills from May onwards.
₹5.80 for the first two years and ₹5.75 in 2027-28.” title=”Under the new tariff structure, the per-unit charge will be ₹5.80 for the first two years and ₹5.75 in 2027-28.” />According to a report by Deccan Herald, while the energy charges have been marginally reduced by 10 paise per unit, the fixed charges will go up by ₹25 in 2025-26, ₹30 in 2026-27, and ₹40 in 2027-28. Currently, the per-unit energy charge stands at ₹5.90, with fixed charges at ₹120.
Under the new tariff structure, the per-unit charge will be ₹5.80 for the first two years and ₹5.75 in 2027-28.
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The decision follows a proposal submitted by electricity supply companies (Escoms) in November 2024, seeking an increase of 67 paise per unit for 2025-26, 75 paise for 2026-27, and 91 paise for 2027-28. After conducting public hearings and reviewing the filings, KERC released its order on Thursday.
This revision comes on top of an additional surcharge announced on March 18 to cover the government’s contribution to Pension and Gratuity (P&G) payments for retired employees of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) and Escoms. The surcharge will be 36 paise per unit in 2025-26, 35 paise in 2026-27, and 34 paise in 2027-28.
However, Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries will remain unaffected, as their electricity costs are covered by the government.
For an average household in Bengaluru consuming around 150 units per month with a 2-3 kW meter, the reduction in energy charges will result in savings of ₹15. However, due to the hike in fixed charges, their total bill is expected to increase by ₹35-60 per month.
For consumers using over 200 units per month and equipped with 5-6 kW meters, the increase will exceed ₹100. In essence, higher consumption will result in a steeper increase in monthly electricity expenses. the report added.
Milk price hike
On Thursday, Milk prices in Karnataka will increase by ₹4 per litre starting from April 1, said state Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna. The Minister said the price increase comes in response to the pressure from milk federations and farmers.
Addressing reporters here, he said, “The decision to hike the prices is by the milk federation, they were asking for ₹5 hike per litre, the government agreed and decided for ₹4 hike from April 1. The entire ₹4 that has been hiked should go to farmers…” The milk price revision comes in the wake of hikes in bus and metro fares, as well as power tariffs.
(With agency inputs)
