Gruha Jyothi Scheme: Tenants Of Rented Homes In Karnataka Denied Free Electricity

With the conclusion of the electricity billing cycle, an increasing number of residents, particularly those residing in rented homes, have expressed their grievances to Bescom. They stated that they are being left out of the scheme due to their allocation of entitlement units being calculated based on the energy usage of previous occupants. Senior Bescom officials have highlighted cases in which specific households were eligible for a mere single unit of complimentary power. This situation emerged because their rented homes remained unoccupied for an extended duration in the preceding year.

While the 'Gruha Jyothi' guidelines laid out by the energy department specify that households can receive free electricity equivalent to or less than their average consumption in the prior fiscal year, they do not adequately consider individuals in rented accommodations or newly constructed residences, according to officials. Bescom officials have clarified that recent tenants of rented homes can avail themselves of 53 units of free electricity, along with an additional 10 percent units. However, many tenants are unaware of this and are not applying for the scheme.

"Awareness might be lacking among many, but the process is simple. They only need to visit the nearest subdivision office and submit their rental agreement. This way, we will adjust the entitlement units to the state's average monthly consumption of 53 units, with an added 10 percent units," said a senior Bescom official.

Absence of Relief

Although a handful of consumers, especially those consuming just above 200 units, had anticipated more frequent updates in entitlement units and the chance to reap the advantages of the scheme, senior department officials clarified that the adjustment of entitlement units would occur solely at the conclusion of this fiscal year. In the meantime, Bescom is advising tenants to use electricity prudently and reduce their consumption to become eligible for the scheme. They are also suggesting that tenants use well-maintained electrical appliances and ensure that any new purchases bear a five-star energy rating. "To qualify for the scheme in the upcoming fiscal year, they must curtail their consumption now," said a senior Bescom official.

Officials also suggested that people utilize well-maintained electrical appliances and ensure that any new purchases bear a five-star energy rating. "Minor behavioral changes in usage, such as turning off power after disconnecting the phone from charging and switching off televisions, microwave ovens, and other devices at the primary outlet, could help reduce consumption by at least 50 to 60 units annually," stated a senior Bescom official.