Launch, Administration, and Financial Outlay

The Gruha Jyoti scheme was officially launched on August 5, 2023, in Kalaburagi. It is administered by the Karnataka Energy Department across all regional electricity supply companies (ESCOMs). The flagship welfare program aims to provide substantial economic relief through free household electricity. The state government earmarked a significant budgetary allocation of ₹9,657 crore to fund the power subsidy. Eligible residential households receive free electricity of up to 200 units per month. The benefit is calculated based on historical consumption patterns plus an additional 10% buffer entitlement.Zero-billing is directly applied to consumer accounts that consume within their sanctioned quota limits.

Eligibility, Coverage, and Scheme Integration

The subsidy applies exclusively to residential properties and domestic power meters across Karnataka. Commercial establishments and industrial power connections are strictly excluded from availing the subsidy. Tenants and house owners are both eligible for one residential electricity meter connection per household. The scheme integrates existing targeted energy programs into a single structured welfare framework. Under this framework, Kuteera Jyothi beneficiaries receive 53 units of free power monthly. Similarly, beneficiaries covered under the Amrutha Jyothi scheme are entitled to 75 units of free power. Households exceeding the 200-unit ceiling for a billing cycle must pay the full bill amount.Consumer linkage with Aadhaar is mandatory to process subsidies via the Karnataka Seva Sindhu Portal

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