Regulatory source: Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) governs open access. ESCOMS (Electricity Supply Companies) — BESCOM (Bengaluru), MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, CESCOM — handle applications in their respective zones. KPTCL is the transmission company.
Karnataka's solar context
- Karnataka has installed over 8,000 MW of solar capacity as of 2025, making it one of the top 3 solar states in India.
- Bengaluru's IT/ITES sector is a major driver of C&I open access demand, with many large campuses targeting net-zero energy commitments.
- North Karnataka (Gadag, Koppal, Bellary) has significant ground-mounted solar capacity available for open access supply.
- KERC has been progressively improving STOA approval processes, with turnaround times improving in recent regulatory cycles.
Open access eligibility in Karnataka
| Parameter | Applicable rule |
|---|
| Minimum contracted demand (STOA) | 1 MW for HT/EHT consumers |
| Consumer categories | HT Industrial, HT Commercial (LT II, HT categories under KERC tariff schedule) |
| Application authority | Relevant ESCOM for zone of consumption; KPTCL for EHT consumers on transmission network |
| Scheduling authority | Karnataka SLDC (KPTCL) |
Key charges in Karnataka
| Charge | Status for solar OA | Notes |
|---|
| Wheeling charge | Applicable | Per KERC tariff order; varies by transmission vs distribution voltage level |
| Cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) | Applicable (with some renewable provisions) | KERC has considered progressive CSS reduction for renewable OA; verify current order for your category |
| Additional surcharge | May be applicable | Subject to DISCOM's stranded capacity situation per KERC order |
| Transmission charge (KPTCL) | Applicable | KPTCL transmission charges for 220 kV and above network use |
| SLDC charges | Applicable | Karnataka SLDC scheduling, infringement, and deviation settlement charges |
Rooftop solar and net metering in Karnataka
For installations under the open access threshold, Karnataka has a well-established rooftop solar programme:
- KERC net metering: Eligible for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers with rooftop systems up to sanctioned load capacity.
- Application via ESCOM: Rooftop solar applications are processed by the relevant ESCOM (BESCOM for Bengaluru). BESCOM has a dedicated rooftop solar online portal.
- Incentives: Karnataka has offered additional incentives for rooftop solar under state policies; confirm current provisions under the Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy (KREP).
- MNRE PM Surya Ghar scheme: Residential consumers are eligible for central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar if the system qualifies under the scheme norms.
STOA application process in Karnataka
- Identify a solar generator with available open access capacity or agreement to apply jointly.
- Submit STOA application to the relevant ESCOM or KPTCL (EHT consumers).
- Await approval; KERC timelines have improved — expect 30–45 days for a clean application.
- Register with Karnataka SLDC for scheduling; obtain scheduling ID.
- Install or confirm special energy meter at the consumer premises.
- Commence drawl in the approved scheduling window.