KERC proposes to allow consumers to self-certify for new connections; consumers welcome, suppliers and experts see red

Residents welcomed the new clause, saying it would reduce red tape and hassle | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

A newly added clause in the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (KERC) Draft Electricity Supply Rules 2026, which allows building owners to self-certify that safety measures have been followed before making new grid connections, has set the cat among the pigeons.

While the Karnataka State Licensed Electricity Contractors Association (KSLECA) strongly objected to this as currently only they are empowered to confirm that safety measures are in place before new connections, residents welcomed the new clause saying it would reduce red tape and hassle.

“If any violations and issues related to consumer safety were found, we corrected them and certified them. Now suddenly they have changed the clause that consumers can self-certify it. How will the consumer understand or know the parameters to know whether the connections are safe or not?” asked HS Shivaraj, who is a licensed contractor and part of the association.

The association argued that in the name of enabling consumers to self-certify, KERC is giving the government the ability to bring in suppliers through competitive bidding and tendering jobs, putting them in touch with consumers and relevant Escom officials across the state.

MG Prabhakar, advisor to the Committee on Power and board member of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), said that allowing self-certification was a wrong move. “It is against Central Electricity Authority (CEA) measures regarding safety and electricity supply. A common man cannot be allowed to take control of electrical equipment and personal safety while making new connections. There are many risks involved, including loss of life. If other states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh etc. have allowed it,” he argued.

KERC clarifies

P. Ravikumar, chairman of KERC, defended the move. “When we say consumers are self-certified, it means that they can either get it inspected and certified by their own contractors, licensed electricians, electrical engineers and others. This is done to make the process easier for consumers, instead of running from pole to pole to get the connection certified, and there is no compromise on the safety factor,” he said.

Consumers welcome

Kochu Shankar of Banjara Layout Residents’ Welfare Association, Bengaluru, said this will reduce corruption. “Whenever the residents approach department officials and contractors for new connections, they have to be paid a certain amount. It is not clear what amount has been paid, nor is a bill generated for it. It has been confirmed earlier by the empaneled contractors or authorized. If the proposal is finalised, it will be a good step to prevent middlemen interference,” he argued.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 22:28 IST