KERC Issues And Finalizes New Fees Regulations 2024

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has released the draft Fees Regulations 2024 and invited comments, suggestions, and objections from stakeholders and affected parties. A public hearing on these regulations was held on November 25, 2024. After reviewing the feedback, the KERC confirmed the regulations under its powers and issued them as the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Fees) Regulations 2024. These regulations came into effect upon publication in the Karnataka Government Gazette and apply statewide.

According to the new regulations, all petitions, applications, and complaints submitted to the Commission must be accompanied by the prescribed fees. In cases where multiple individuals with similar interests file a petition related to the same dispute or legal question, each petitioner must pay a separate fee. Applications for the grant of licenses or exemptions under the Electricity Act must also include a fee, as determined by the state government. Until the state government specifies this fee, an application for a license or exemption must include a processing fee of ₹50,000.

License holders will be required to pay an annual fee as specified in the KERC Licensing Regulations 2024. Any late payment of fees will attract a penalty interest, as determined by the Commission. Fees can be paid through bank transfer or demand draft in the name of the Secretary of KERC, payable in Bangalore. For amounts not exceeding ₹5,000, cash payments will be accepted, while payments above ₹25,000 can be made through RTGS or NEFT. In such cases, the remittance details must be submitted as per the prescribed format.

The Commission has the authority to waive or reduce the fees in certain circumstances, such as when a dispute is settled before a hearing begins or if a petition is withdrawn before admission. In such cases, 50% of the fee paid will be refunded.

The Commission may modify, alter, or amend these regulations as needed, following the proper procedures. The KERC (Fees) Regulations 2016 and its amendments are repealed, but any actions taken under those regulations will remain valid. If any difficulties arise in implementing these regulations, the Commission can issue orders to resolve them, ensuring that they align with the provisions of the Act. The Commission’s decision on the interpretation of these regulations will be final and binding.