The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has issued draft amendments to the Karnataka Electricity Supply Code and invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders before finalising the revised regulations.
According to the draft notification, the proposed amendments seek to update provisions governing electricity supply conditions across the state, including procedures related to new service connections, load enhancement and reduction, metering standards, billing practices, security deposits, disconnection and reconnection norms, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
The regulator has proposed revisions aimed at improving clarity in consumer categorisation, streamlining timelines for processing applications, and strengthening compliance obligations for distribution licensees. The draft also includes modifications to provisions concerning smart metering, accuracy of billing, and responsibilities of consumers in maintaining electrical installations and ensuring access for meter reading and inspection.
KERC has indicated that the amendments are intended to align the Supply Code with evolving operational requirements in the power sector, including increasing integration of renewable energy, digital metering infrastructure and modernised distribution systems. The draft seeks to address practical issues observed in implementation of existing regulations and reduce ambiguities that have led to disputes between consumers and utilities.
Stakeholders, including distribution companies, consumer groups, industry associations and individual consumers, have been invited to submit written objections and suggestions within the stipulated timeframe mentioned in the notification. The Commission has stated that it will also conduct public hearings, where required, to consider representations before issuing the final amendments.
The proposed changes cover procedural aspects such as timelines for releasing new connections, provisions governing temporary supply, transfer of ownership of connections, and settlement of final bills upon disconnection. The draft further outlines revised conditions for handling cases of unauthorised use of electricity, meter tampering and assessment procedures, in accordance with applicable statutory provisions.
KERC said that after reviewing stakeholder submissions and conducting consultations, it will finalise and notify the amended Supply Code. Until such notification, existing regulations will continue to remain in force.
The move forms part of the Commission’s periodic regulatory review aimed at ensuring that electricity supply conditions remain consistent with current legal, technical and operational frameworks in Karnataka’s power sector.
