Karnataka clarifies advance payment of Gruha Jyothi subsidy

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has reaffirmed that the subsidy for its flagship Gruha Jyothi scheme is being paid in advance to Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) and will not be recovered from consumers. Energy Minister K.J. George addressed concerns after a departmental meeting at Belaku Bhavana, stating that there is a misconception regarding ESCOMs approaching the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to recover the subsidy from consumers.

"The government has no such plan. The Gruha Jyothi scheme was introduced to provide free electricity up to 200 units per household, and we are committed to covering the entire subsidy," he said. Since the scheme's implementation in August 2023, the government has allocated funds in the budget and ensured that subsidies are paid in advance to ESCOMs. Addressing concerns over regulatory provisions, the Minister clarified that under the KERC (Subsidy Payment Mechanism) Rules, 2008, ESCOMs can collect subsidies from consumers only if the government fails to pay in advance.

"This is a general rule that has been misinterpreted. Karnataka has fulfilled its commitment to the people," he asserted. The Gruha Jyothi scheme continues to provide financial relief to households while ensuring a stable power supply across the state.