Key Takeaways
- Gruha Jyothi came into effect on 1 July 2023 and was formally launched in August 2023, and it remains one of the Karnataka government's flagship guarantee schemes.
- Eligible households get a zero-electricity bill for consumption up to 200 units a month, based on their average usage in the 2022-23 financial year.
- The Karnataka Cabinet later revised the calculation, replacing the earlier 10 per cent increase over average usage with a flat addition of 10 extra free units for households using under 90 units, so very small consumers benefit more directly.
- The scheme covers only domestic residential connections, with a limit of one meter per household, and does not extend to commercial establishments.
- Registration is free, requires no supporting documents for most applicants, and can be completed online through Seva Sindhu or offline at Bangalore One, Karnataka One or Grama One centres.
- The scheme has absorbed the earlier Kuteera Jyothi, Amrutha Jyothi and Bhagya Jyothi schemes, consolidating multiple electricity subsidy programmes into a single benefit.
What the Gruha Jyothi Scheme offers
Gruha Jyothi was introduced to reduce the monthly electricity burden on Karnataka households, particularly those with modest consumption. Rather than a flat subsidy for every household, the scheme is calibrated around each connection's historical usage, so it targets relief toward households that already use less power rather than subsidising heavy consumers.
At launch, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that over 2.14 crore consumers across the state were eligible for the scheme, and government data has since shown well over 1.7 crore households actually registered and benefiting from it.
Who is eligible for Gruha Jyothi?
- The household must hold a domestic residential electricity connection, limited to one meter per household.
- Only residents of Karnataka are eligible, though tenants residing in the state can also register using their own consumer connection.
- Commercial or non-domestic connections are not eligible under this scheme.
- The customer ID or account ID must be linked to an Aadhaar card, and any outstanding electricity dues must be cleared before registering.
- Average electricity consumption for the base year must fall within the scheme's free-unit threshold to receive a zero bill.
How the free-unit calculation works
| Consumption category | How the free units are calculated |
|---|---|
| Households using under 90 units on average | Get 10 extra free units added to their average usage, rather than the earlier 10 percent increase, following the Karnataka Cabinet's revision. |
| Households with average usage between 90 and 200 units | Average electricity consumption between April 2022 and March 2023, plus the applicable increase, determines the free-unit ceiling, up to a maximum of 200 units. |
| Households averaging above 200 units in 2022-23 | Not eligible for a zero bill under the scheme and must pay the full electricity charge for their monthly consumption. |
Documents required to register
- For property owners: a voter ID card or house deed in the name of the primary account holder
- For tenants: the electricity account or consumer ID along with a tenancy or rent agreement as residence proof
- Aadhaar card linked to the electricity connection
- Existing electricity bill or consumer number for reference during registration
How to register for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme
- Visit the dedicated Seva Sindhu portal set up for Gruha Jyothi registrations.
- Enter your electricity consumer or account number when prompted.
- Link your Aadhaar details and confirm your residential address as owner or tenant.
- Review the auto-calculated average consumption details shown by the portal.
- Submit the registration to complete enrolment, without any registration fee.
- Alternatively, register offline at the nearest Bangalore One, Karnataka One or Grama One centre if you do not have internet access.
What happens if your household crosses 200 units in a month?
If a registered household's actual monthly consumption exceeds 200 units, the entire month's bill becomes payable at standard tariff rates, not just the units above the threshold. This makes it worth monitoring monthly usage closely, especially during peak summer months when appliance use tends to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Residential households in Karnataka with a domestic electricity connection, one meter per household, and average consumption within the scheme's free-unit threshold are eligible. Commercial connections do not qualify.
How many free units does the scheme provide?
Eligible households get a zero bill for consumption up to 200 units a month, calculated from their average usage in 2022-23 plus the applicable top-up.
Is there a registration fee for Gruha Jyothi?
No, registration is completely free and can be completed online through Seva Sindhu or offline at Bangalore One, Karnataka One or Grama One centres.
What happens if my usage crosses 200 units in a month?
If actual consumption for that month exceeds 200 units, the full bill for the entire month becomes payable at standard rates rather than only the extra units.
Can tenants apply for the scheme?
Yes, tenants can register using their own electricity consumer or account ID along with a tenancy or rent agreement as proof of current residence.
Which older schemes were merged into Gruha Jyothi?
The Kuteera Jyothi, Amrutha Jyothi and Bhagya Jyothi schemes were merged into Gruha Jyothi when it was formally launched in August 2023.
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