Electricity bills are a regular expense for every family. To reduce this burden, the Karnataka government introduced the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, which provides free electricity to eligible households in the state.
Under this scheme, domestic consumers can receive free electricity based on their previous average consumption, subject to a maximum limit of 200 units per month. Both homeowners and tenants can receive the benefit if they meet the conditions and complete the required registration.
However, the scheme does not simply provide 200 free units to every household. The actual free electricity limit is calculated separately for each connection. Here is a complete and easy guide to the Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme, including its benefits, eligibility, documents, application process and latest verification update.
Table of Contents
What Is the Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a free electricity programme launched by the Government of Karnataka in 2023. It is one of the state government’s major guarantee schemes and is meant to reduce monthly household expenses.
Under the scheme, eligible domestic consumers receive a zero electricity bill when their monthly electricity use remains within their approved free-unit limit. This limit is calculated using the household’s previous electricity consumption.
The benefit is available only for residential electricity connections. Commercial establishments, shops, offices and industrial connections cannot receive free electricity under this scheme.
How Many Free Electricity Units Are Provided?
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme offers free electricity up to a maximum of 200 units per month. However, every household does not automatically receive all 200 units.
The approved limit is generally calculated using:
Average monthly electricity consumption during the reference financial year + 10% additional units
For example, if a household used an average of 100 units per month during the reference period, an additional 10% would be added. Its eligible limit would therefore be around 110 units per month.
If the household’s monthly consumption remains within 110 units, the eligible electricity charges may be covered under the scheme. The approved limit cannot exceed 200 units.
Consumers should check their electricity bills to understand the exact free-unit limit approved for their connection.
What Happens If Electricity Consumption Crosses the Approved Limit?
This is one of the most important rules of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme.
If the monthly electricity use remains within the approved limit, the household may receive a zero bill. But if consumption crosses the permitted limit, the consumer may have to pay the electricity bill according to the applicable rules and tariff.
A household with an approved limit of 110 units should therefore try to keep its consumption within that limit. The phrase “up to 200 units free” should not be understood as a fixed allowance of 200 units for every applicant.
The scheme encourages families to monitor their electricity usage instead of assuming that every bill will automatically become zero.
Who Is Eligible for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Applicants must meet the following basic conditions:
- The electricity connection must be located in Karnataka.
- The connection must belong to the domestic or residential category.
- The applicant must be using the property as a residence.
- Aadhaar must be linked to the electricity connection through the scheme registration.
- One person can generally claim the benefit for only one residential electricity connection.
- The household’s eligible consumption must remain within the maximum limit of 200 units.
- The information submitted by the applicant must be correct and verifiable.
The benefit is not limited to property owners. People living in rented houses can also apply by linking their Aadhaar with the electricity connection they are currently using.
Can Tenants Apply for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Yes, tenants living in Karnataka can receive the benefit even if the electricity connection is registered in the landlord’s name.
During registration, the tenant must enter the electricity account or connection ID mentioned on the bill and provide Aadhaar details. A valid rental agreement or another document proving occupancy may also be requested during verification.
Tenants should remember to update or delink their Aadhaar when they leave the rented property. Otherwise, their identity may remain connected to the old electricity account.
In 2026, the government also increased checks on claims made for rented properties. Tenants may be asked to provide a declaration or supporting documents to prove that they are not claiming the benefit for multiple houses.
Which Documents Are Required?
- Aadhaar card
- Latest electricity bill
- Electricity account or connection ID
- Mobile number
- Proof of residence
- Rental agreement, if living in a rented house
- Voter ID card, if requested
- Passport-size photograph, where required
- Ration card or PAN card, if applicable
The name on the electricity bill does not always need to match the applicant’s name, especially in the case of tenants. However, the applicant must provide correct information about their relationship with the property.
How Can You Apply Online for the Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Applications can be submitted through the Karnataka government’s Seva Sindhu guarantee scheme portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Seva Sindhu Guarantee Schemes portal.
- Select the Gruha Jyothi option.
- Choose the name of your electricity supply company.
- Enter the electricity account or connection ID shown on your bill.
- Select whether you are the owner, tenant or occupant of the house.
- Enter the applicant’s Aadhaar number.
- Provide the mobile number and complete OTP verification, if requested.
- Read the declaration carefully and accept it.
- Check all the entered information.
- Submit the application.
- Save or download the acknowledgement for future use.
There is no application fee for registration. People who are unable to apply online can seek help from authorised government service centres such as Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One.
How Can You Check the Application Status?
Applicants can check their status through the Seva Sindhu portal.
Open the application-status section and enter the required details, such as the application or acknowledgement number. The portal may show whether the application has been submitted, approved or requires further action.
You can also download the acknowledgement by selecting your electricity supply company and entering the electricity account ID on the official Gruha Jyothi acknowledgement page.
If the benefit does not appear on the bill even after approval, contact the local electricity supply company and keep the acknowledgement and latest bill ready.
Which Electricity Companies Cover the Scheme?
The programme is available across the electricity supply company areas of Karnataka, including:
- BESCOM
- MESCOM
- CESC
- HESCOM
- GESCOM
- HRECS or other applicable local supply jurisdiction
Applicants must select the correct company while registering. Its name is normally printed at the top of the electricity bill.
What Is the Latest Gruha Jyothi Update in 2026?
The Karnataka Energy Department started a statewide door-to-door verification drive in July 2026. Authorised meter readers and electricity supply company officials are checking beneficiary information to identify incorrect, duplicate and ineligible claims.
Officials may verify Aadhaar details, occupancy, electricity connection information and supporting documents. The drive covers the jurisdictions of the major ESCOMs in Karnataka.
Consumers should cooperate only with authorised officials and should not pay any fee for verification. Under CESC, beneficiaries were asked to provide their information by August 31, 2026. This deadline relates to the verification exercise reported in the CESC region, so consumers in other ESCOM areas should follow instructions issued by their own electricity provider. BESCOM has also published a July 2026 FAQ and verification procedure.
How Can You Save Electricity and Remain Within the Limit?
Small changes can help reduce electricity use:
- Switch off lights and fans when leaving a room.
- Use LED bulbs instead of old bulbs.
- Avoid keeping appliances on standby.
- Choose energy-efficient fans, refrigerators and air conditioners.
- Use natural light during the daytime.
- Check faulty wiring and old appliances.
- Monitor the number of units used on every bill.
Keeping consumption under control can help a household continue receiving the scheme’s full benefit.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme helps eligible households reduce their electricity expenses by providing free power within an approved consumption limit. The maximum benefit is up to 200 units per month, but the actual limit depends on the household’s previous average usage.
Homeowners and tenants can apply through Seva Sindhu using their Aadhaar and electricity connection details. Existing beneficiaries should also cooperate with authorised verification officials and keep their documents updated. Before applying or making changes, always check the latest notice issued by Seva Sindhu or your local electricity supply company.
FAQs
What is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
It provides free electricity to eligible domestic consumers in Karnataka, based on their approved monthly consumption limit.
Does every household receive 200 free units?
No. The limit depends on previous average consumption plus 10%, with 200 units as the maximum.
Can tenants apply for Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Yes. Tenants can apply using Aadhaar, electricity connection ID and valid rental details.
Where can I apply for Karnataka Government Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Apply through the official Seva Sindhu portal or visit an authorised government service centre.
What happens if consumption exceeds the limit?
The consumer may have to pay the applicable electricity bill.
Also, read: – Griha Lakshmi Scheme 2026: Eligibility, ₹2,000 Payment, Apply Online and Status