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.
Informational Resource
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice.
Wattency is a renewable energy marketplace and information platform, not a financial advisor or broker.
Always conduct your own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions related to solar projects, energy procurement, or renewable energy investments.
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.