The Gruha Jyothi Scheme — also widely known as the Free Electricity Scheme in Karnataka — is a landmark social welfare initiative launched by the Government of Karnataka to provide up to 200 units of free electricity every month to eligible residential households across the state.

Launched on August 1, 2023, the scheme was part of the ruling Congress party’s election manifesto — one of the famous “Five Guarantees” promised to voters. Upon winning the 2023 state elections, the government moved quickly to implement this flagship promise, making Karnataka one of the first Indian states to offer such a large-scale, free electricity guarantee.

The objective of the scheme is straightforward: eliminate or significantly reduce the monthly electricity bill for millions of households in Karnataka, particularly those belonging to low- and middle-income groups. By providing 200 units of free power per month, the government ensures that the majority of families — who typically consume less than this threshold — pay absolutely nothing on their electricity bills.

As of January 2026, over 1.67 crore families (16.7 million households) have registered for the scheme, making it one of the most widely adopted electricity subsidy programs in India.

2. Key Highlights at a Glance {#highlights}

Feature	Details
Scheme Name	Gruha Jyothi Scheme (Karnataka Free Electricity Scheme)
Launched By	Government of Karnataka
Launch Date	August 1, 2023
Free Electricity Limit	Up to 200 units per month
Eligible Consumers	Domestic/residential households
Application Mode	Online (Seva Sindhu Portal) + Offline
Beneficiaries (Jan 2026)	1.67 crore+ families
Helpline Number	1912
Official Portal	sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in

3. History and Background of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme {#history}

The Gruha Jyothi Scheme has its roots in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections, where the Indian National Congress (INC) promised five major welfare guarantees to voters. These included free rice, a cash transfer for women, unemployment allowances, and free electricity up to 200 units per month.

When the Congress government came to power under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, it wasted no time rolling out these guarantees. The scheme was officially launched on July 1, 2023 (with billing starting from August 1, 2023), and online registrations opened on June 18, 2023.

Since its launch, the government has continuously refined the scheme based on feedback from beneficiaries and electricity distribution companies (ESCOMs). Several revisions have been made to improve fairness, transparency, and coverage — particularly for households that consume very little electricity.

4. Who Is Eligible for Free Electricity in Karnataka? {#eligibility}

To benefit from the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Mandatory Conditions:

Permanent Resident of Karnataka — The applicant must be a permanent or current resident of Karnataka. Even non-natives currently living in Karnataka can apply.
Domestic/Residential Connection Only — The electricity meter must be registered under a domestic or residential category. Commercial connections are not eligible.
Average Monthly Consumption Must Not Exceed 200 Units — The average monthly electricity consumption for the financial year 2022–23 must be below 200 units.
Aadhaar Linking is Mandatory — The applicant’s Aadhaar card must be linked to the electricity account/consumer ID.
One Connection Per Household — A homeowner is eligible for only one meter connection under this scheme.

Who Is NOT Eligible:

Consumers with commercial electricity connections
Households whose average monthly consumption exceeds 200 units
Consumers who have not linked their Aadhaar to their electricity account
Government employees with taxable income in some revised categories (subject to state notifications)

5. How Is the Free Electricity Calculated? {#calculation}

Understanding the calculation method is crucial to know exactly how many free units you’re entitled to.

General Formula:

Entitlement Units = Average monthly units consumed in FY 2022–23 + 10% increment

For example:

If a household used an average of 150 units/month in FY 2022–23, their entitlement is 150 + 15 = 165 units/month free.
If their actual consumption in any month is ≤165 units → Zero bill (completely free).
If they consume 175 units, they pay only for the 10 extra units beyond their entitlement (175 – 165 = 10 units charged).
If they consume more than 200 units (say 210 units), they must pay for the entire 210 units for that month — no partial free benefit.

For Low Consumers (Updated 2025):

As per October 2025 cabinet revision, households that consume less than 90 units per month now receive an additional flat 10 units of free power. This replaced the earlier 10% increment rule for low-usage consumers, ensuring even greater relief.

For New House Connections:

If a consumer has shifted to a new residence and there is no past data:

The government assigns a base average of 53 units + 10%, resulting in approximately 58–59 free units per month initially.
After completing one year at the new address, the actual average consumption is recalculated and free unit entitlement is updated accordingly.

Important Note for 2026:

For the year 2026, only the average units from the financial year 2022–23 are being considered for calculating entitlement units, even though the applicable previous year would normally be 2024–25.

6. Documents Required to Apply {#documents}

The Gruha Jyothi Scheme requires minimal documentation, making the application process simple and accessible. Here is the complete checklist:

For Homeowners:

Aadhaar Card (linked to your mobile number)
Electricity Bill (to get the RR Number / Account ID / Consumer ID)
Mobile Number (linked to Aadhaar)

For Tenants:

Aadhaar Card
Electricity Bill of the rented property (RR Number)
Rental/Lease Agreement OR Voter ID showing the current address
Mobile Number linked to Aadhaar
Self-Declaration Form confirming residency

7. How to Apply Online for Gruha Jyothi Scheme (Step-by-Step) {#apply-online}

Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to register for free electricity in Karnataka. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal at sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in

Step 2: On the homepage, look for the “Gruha Jyothi Scheme” icon or link and click on it.

Step 3: Select your preferred language (Kannada or English).

Step 4: Enter the following details:

ESCOM name (BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, or CESC)
Account ID / RR Number (from your electricity bill)
Aadhaar Number
Mobile Number (linked to Aadhaar)
Address details
Owner or Tenant status

Step 5: Tick the declaration checkbox, complete the CAPTCHA, and click “Submit”.

Step 6: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement number via SMS and/or email. Download or save this acknowledgement for future reference.

Tip for Tenants: Even if the electricity meter is in the landlord’s name, you can apply using your own Aadhaar along with the property’s RR number and a self-declaration form. The property owner’s signature is generally not required.

No manual activation is needed. Once approved, Gruha Jyothi benefits will automatically reflect in your future electricity bills.

8. How to Apply Offline {#apply-offline}

For those who are not comfortable with online processes, the Gruha Jyothi Scheme can also be applied for offline at any of the following locations:

Bangalore One / Karnataka One / Grama One Centres
Local ESCOM offices (BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, CESC)
Nadakacheri / Atalji Janasnehi Centres
Gram Panchayat offices

Carry your Aadhaar card and electricity bill when visiting these offices. Staff will help you fill out the application form and submit it on your behalf.

9. How to Track Your Application Status {#track-status}

After applying, you can easily check the status of your Gruha Jyothi application online:

Step 1: Visit the Guarantee Schemes Portal or Seva Sindhu portal.
Step 2: Click on “Track Your Application Status”.
Step 3: Select your ESCOM name and enter your Account ID / Consumer ID.
Step 4: Click “Check Status” to view the current progress of your application.

Note: You will not receive a separate email or message confirming approval. If your application is approved, the Gruha Jyothi details (free unit deduction) will begin appearing directly on your electricity bill.

10. Benefits of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme {#benefits}

The Gruha Jyothi Scheme delivers a wide range of benefits, both financial and social:

Financial Relief:

Zero electricity bill for households consuming up to their eligible limit (up to 200 units/month)
Monthly savings of ₹500–₹1,500+ depending on consumption, making a significant impact on household budgets
Even with recent ESCOM tariff hikes and fixed charge increases, Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries remain fully protected

Energy Efficiency:

Encourages households to consume electricity responsibly within the 200-unit threshold
Promotes adoption of energy-efficient appliances and habits

Social Inclusion:

Benefits extend to both homeowners and tenants
Even residents from other states currently living in Karnataka are eligible
Covers consumers across all five ESCOMs in Karnataka

Environmental Impact:

Promotes sustainable energy consumption patterns
Reduced financial pressure may encourage households to invest in solar power and green energy solutions

11. Latest Updates and Changes in 2025–2026 {#updates}

The Karnataka government has made several significant updates to the scheme since its 2023 launch:

October 2025 Cabinet Revision:

Consumers using under 90 units per month now get 10 extra flat free units, replacing the earlier 10% increment rule.
This change benefits approximately 1.95 crore consumers in Karnataka who use an average of just 53 units per month — most of whom now qualify for completely zero bills.
Electricity distribution companies (ESCOMs) have simplified average consumption calculations for greater transparency.

January 2026 Update:

Total registered beneficiaries crossed 1.67 crore families.
A Delink Facility was introduced, allowing families who have shifted houses to delink their old application and re-enroll into the scheme.
For 2026, entitlement calculations continue to use FY 2022–23 averages for all eligible consumers.

Tariff Hike Protection:

Despite Karnataka ESCOMs hiking electricity tariffs and fixed charges in 2024–25, the government confirmed that Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries will not be affected by these increases.

12. ESCOMs Covered Under the Scheme {#escoms}

The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is available to consumers of all five electricity distribution companies in Karnataka:

ESCOM	Full Name	Service Area
BESCOM	Bangalore Electricity Supply Company	Bengaluru & surroundings
MESCOM	Mangaluru Electricity Supply Company	Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga
GESCOM	Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company	Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal
HESCOM	Hubli Electricity Supply Company	Dharwad, Belagavi, Haveri, Gadag, Uttara Kannada
CESC	Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation	Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu, Hassan, Chamarajanagara

13. Common Issues and Their Solutions {#issues}

Problem: Application submitted but no benefit on bill

Solution: Wait 1–2 billing cycles. Ensure your Aadhaar is correctly linked to the consumer ID. If the issue persists, visit your local ESCOM office.

Problem: Aadhaar not linked to electricity account

Solution: Visit your nearest ESCOM office with your Aadhaar card and electricity bill to link them manually.

Problem: Lost acknowledgement slip

Solution: Visit the Gruha Jyothi Acknowledgement Reprint Portal and enter your registered mobile number or application number to reprint it.

Problem: Shifted to a new house and benefits stopped

Solution: Use the Gruha Jyothi Delink Facility on the Seva Sindhu portal to delink your old connection and register the new one.

Problem: Bill shows charges despite consuming under the limit

Solution: Check if your average consumption for FY 2022–23 matches what you’re consuming now. If consumption exceeds your entitlement units, charges apply. Contact your ESCOM helpline at 1912 for clarification.

14. Gruha Jyothi Scheme for Tenants {#tenants}

One of the most inclusive features of this scheme is its eligibility for tenants. Here’s what you need to know if you live in a rented property:

Tenants can apply even if the electricity meter is in the property owner’s name.
You need the RR Number of the rented connection along with your own Aadhaar card.
Provide a self-declaration form confirming that you reside at the address.
A rental/lease agreement or a Voter ID showing the current address can also be submitted as address proof.
The property owner’s NOC or signature is generally not required.
If your Aadhaar is registered at a different state address, you can still apply by showing local address proof.

15. Gruha Jyothi Scheme for New Houses {#new-houses}

For consumers in newly constructed houses or those who have recently shifted, there is no historical consumption data available. In such cases:

The government assigns a default entitlement of ~58–59 units/month (state average of 53 units + 10%).
If the actual monthly consumption exceeds 59 units but remains below 200 units, the consumer pays only for units consumed beyond 59.
After completing one full year at the new connection, actual average consumption is recalculated and the free unit entitlement is updated.

The government has also promised to reassess free unit allotments for newly built houses specifically, ensuring fairer allocation as the scheme matures.

16. How to Delink Your Old Application {#delink}

If you have moved to a new house and need to transfer your Gruha Jyothi benefit to a new connection, the Delink Facility makes this easy:

Step 1: Visit the Seva Sindhu portal or Guarantee Schemes Portal.
Step 2: Look for the “Gruha Jyothi Delink” option.
Step 3: Enter your old consumer ID and Aadhaar details.
Step 4: Confirm the delink request.
Step 5: Register afresh with your new connection’s RR Number.

According to the government, delinking happens instantly once the online request is completed.

17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) {#faqs}

Q1: Is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme still active in 2026?
Yes. The scheme is fully active in 2026, with over 1.67 crore beneficiaries enrolled and benefits flowing every month.

Q2: What happens if I consume more than 200 units?
If your consumption exceeds 200 units in any month, you will be charged for the entire consumption for that month — not just the excess. No free benefit applies.

Q3: Can I apply if I don’t have an Aadhaar card?
No. An Aadhaar card linked to your consumer ID is mandatory to avail the scheme benefits.

Q4: Is there a deadline to apply?
There is no official deadline mentioned. The scheme accepts registrations on an ongoing basis. However, it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible to start receiving benefits.

Q5: I’m from another state but live in Karnataka. Can I apply?
Yes. Non-natives currently residing in Karnataka can apply. You need to provide a local address proof along with your Aadhaar.

Q6: Can I get benefits for multiple homes I own?
No. A homeowner is eligible for benefits on only one electricity connection — typically their primary residence.

Q7: What if my bill still shows charges after approval?
Contact the ESCOM helpline at 1912 or visit your nearest ESCOM office. Ensure your Aadhaar-consumer ID linkage is verified.

Q8: Does the scheme cover solar panel users?
The scheme applies to domestic electricity consumption from the grid. Net metering arrangements with solar panels may have separate calculations.

Q9: Will tariff hikes affect my Gruha Jyothi benefit?
The Karnataka government has confirmed that Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries will not be affected by ESCOM tariff hikes or fixed charge increases.

Q10: What is the helpline number for Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
You can call the Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme helpline at 1912 for all queries.

18. Conclusion {#conclusion}

The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is one of the most impactful welfare programs in Karnataka’s history. By providing up to 200 units of free electricity per month, it has brought tangible financial relief to millions of families — from urban apartment dwellers in Bengaluru to rural households in remote districts of the state.

With 1.67 crore+ families already enrolled, the scheme’s reach is extraordinary. The government’s ongoing revisions — especially the October 2025 update providing extra benefits to low consumers — show a commitment to improving the program over time.

If you are a Karnataka resident and haven’t yet registered for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, there is no reason to wait. The online process via Seva Sindhu is quick, paperless, and free — and the savings on your electricity bill can be substantial every single month.

Apply today at: sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in
Helpline: 1912

Last Updated: May 2026 | Sources: Seva Sindhu Karnataka Portal, Karnataka ESCOM official communications, Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme Guidelines

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