KERC To Hold Public Hearing On Proposed Additional Surcharge For Open Access Power Consumers In Karnataka

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has announced a public hearing to discuss a proposal submitted by the state’s Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) to impose an Additional Surcharge on consumers who procure electricity through the Open Access system. This development is of particular importance to industries and large consumers that buy power directly from independent producers instead of relying entirely on the local ESCOMs for their electricity supply.

The proposal was first brought forward by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), which filed an Original Petition before the KERC. The petition seeks the Commission’s approval to levy an Additional Surcharge on Open Access consumers. This proposed charge is based on regulatory provisions outlined under Section 42 of the Electricity Act, 2003, along with corresponding clauses found in the Tariff Policy, the National Electricity Policy, and KERC’s Open Access Regulations and Tariff Order issued in 2025. The surcharge, if approved, would apply to consumers under all five ESCOMs in Karnataka — BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, and CESC.

To ensure transparency and public participation, KERC issued a public notice on October 9, 2025, inviting comments, objections, and suggestions from stakeholders and affected consumers. The notice requested Open Access consumers to submit their feedback in writing to the Commission, highlighting any concerns or alternative views regarding the proposed surcharge.

Subsequently, on October 29, 2025, BESCOM submitted an amendment application to its original petition. This amendment was taken up by the KERC the very next day, on October 30, 2025, and the Commission allowed the application after due consideration. KERC then directed BESCOM to publish the amended version of the petition on the official websites of all ESCOMs to ensure that every stakeholder had access to the latest and most accurate information. Both the original and amended petitions are now available for public viewing on the ESCOMs’ websites as well as on the Commission’s official portal.

The Commission has provided stakeholders and Open Access consumers with one last opportunity to share their inputs before the final decision is made. The deadline for submitting written objections or suggestions is 5:00 PM on November 12, 2025. Interested parties can send their submissions directly to the Commission for review.

Following the deadline for written submissions, the KERC will hold a Public Hearing on November 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at its Court Hall in Bengaluru. The hearing will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person or through an online platform. Those who wish to participate virtually must register by sending their name, email address, and contact number to asst.secykerc@gmail.com by 5:00 PM on November 12, 2025. Registered participants will then receive the necessary connection details for online access. This hearing will provide a platform for stakeholders to present their oral or written objections directly to the Commission. The KERC has encouraged all interested parties to take part in this process to ensure that every viewpoint is considered before arriving at a final decision on the proposed surcharge. The outcome of this hearing could significantly influence the cost of electricity for Open Access consumers across Karnataka and may have wider implications for industrial and commercial power users in the state.