Stakeholders object to draft Karnataka electricity rules 2026
Consumer rights groups and industry bodies raised concerns regarding security deposits and infrastructure charges during a public hearing.
Consumer rights groups, trade bodies, and industry representatives have raised objections to the draft Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) Electricity Supply Regulations, 2026, according to a report by Urban Acres.
During a public hearing, participants expressed concerns that the proposed rules could shift financial and procedural risks onto households, businesses, developers, and applicants.
Tushar M Baddi, general secretary of Vidyuth Grahakara Hitharakshana Vedike, Karnataka, questioned the legality of a proposed 10 per cent deduction from security deposits if an applicant withdraws a connection request, noting the Electricity Act, 2003, does not provide for such a deduction.
The Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) objected to making occupancy or completion certificates a precondition for power connections. KASSIA vice-president HN Ramakrishnaiah argued that obtaining these documents involves lengthy bureaucratic procedures outside an applicant's control.
An advocate representing resident welfare associations raised concerns over a proposed 5 per cent charge on distribution transformers, suggesting it could lead to double recovery as developers may already deposit 80 per cent of estimated costs.
Independent energy consultant MG Prabhakar from Bengaluru stated that consumers could face retrospective billing for up to six months if a meter is found to be non-recording.