Bescom seeks Rs 1.65/unit surcharge on open-access consumers for 2025-26

Bescom approaches KERC to recover revenue losses, citing idle generation capacity as open-access consumers shift to third-party power.

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has approached the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking approval to levy a surcharge of Rs 1.65 per unit on open-access consumers for the financial year 2025-26. The move aims to offset projected losses of Rs 1,028 crore for 2024-25.

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According to officials, the surcharge is an additional charge on electricity bills to compensate for revenue loss from consumers who choose to buy electricity from private generators under the open-access mechanism. These consumers include industries, tech parks, large housing societies, and commercial establishments.

Bescom highlighted that while it tied up significant generation capacity, many consumers opted for third-party electricity sources, leaving much of the contracted power idle. This underutilisation, the company said, has resulted in fixed costs that need recovery through the surcharge.

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The petition, filed under the Electricity Act 2003 and Karnataka Electricity Reforms Act 1999, has prompted KERC to invite objections from stakeholders within 30 days. A public hearing is expected before the regulator issues its final order.

If approved, the surcharge will be effective from April 1, 2025, impacting open-access consumers while ensuring Bescom recovers costs from unused contracted power.