Karnataka Govt Hikes Power Tariffs By Rs 2.89 Per Unit for Higher Usage

The Karnataka government has introduced a new electricity scheme called 'Gruha Jyoti' in which households will receive 200 units of free power per month starting from July 1. However, the government has also raised electricity prices by Rs 2.89 per unit for consumers exceeding the 'free' 200-unit slab.

This move comes as part of the Congress-led government's efforts to provide relief to the poor and middle-class citizens of the state.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme is not limited to homeowners and extends to tenants as well. He stated that individuals living in rented accommodations will also be eligible to avail the benefits of 200 units of free electricity. The scheme aims to provide support to those who consume less than 200 units of power, thereby exempting them from paying electricity bills. Siddaramaiah said that this scheme does not apply to commercial usage.

The implementation of the 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme fulfills one of the five guarantees promised by the Congress party in the run-up to the 2023 assembly elections. The Karnataka Energy Department has issued guidelines specifying that the amount of free power supplied will depend on the average monthly consumption of each household, with a cap set at 200 units.

Regarding the increase in electricity tariffs by Rs 2.89 per unit, Siddaramaiah clarified that the decision was made by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and not the government. He explained that the government merely implemented the tariff hike as determined by the regulatory authority. The Chief Minister further added that the KERC had made similar decisions in the past.

In addition to these developments, Siddaramaiah also announced that the state government would present its budget on July 7, 2023, outlining their financial plans and priorities for the coming year.