A file photo of Energy Minister K.J. George (2nd from right), along with Dileesh Sasi, Director, Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Service (EDCS); Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department; and Mahantesh Bilagi, MD, Bescom, in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Although it was announced that the Gruha Jyothi scheme would be applicable from July 1, many consumers were billed by electricity supply companies (escoms) for the first few days of the month, going by their regular billing cycle.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the launch of the scheme, Energy Minister K. J. George said on Tuesday that the amount charged for the first few days of July (up to 15 days), will be credited to the beneficiaries. “If there are arrears, the credits will be used to adjust them. If there are no arrears, then we will initiate a refund to the consumers along with an interest as per the current bank rates,” he said.

He added that over 1.42 crore consumers, including 18,12,452 Bhagya Jyothi, Kuteera Jyothi and Amrutha Jyothi beneficiaries, have registered under Gruha Jyothi so far. However, there is not much clarity about how many applicants qualify for the scheme.

New electricity policy

Further, Mr. George said to provide electricity at cheaper costs to all consumers across Karnataka, the Energy Department will soon come up with a policy in which the focus will be on non-conventional energy. The policy is expected to help in the reduction of transmission and distribution losses. 

When asked if the Gruha Jyothi scheme will increase the burden on non-eligible consumers and industries, the Minister said that the department is in discussions with small-scale industries and other industries with regard to the planned policy. 

“If we set up solar generation systems next to every energy sub-station, we could cover the transmission losses up to some extent. This will also help us supply power in a better manner to farmers and industries nearby. Along with solar, wind and hydro-electricity generation, nitrogen electricity generation is also becoming prominent. With these innovative methods, we want to bring down the cost of power supply,” he said.

The electricity policy will be announced after it is approved by the State Cabinet.