Of the 2.16 crore power consumers in Karnataka, 2.14 crore are eligible for free power under the Griha Jyoti scheme as their monthly consumption in less than 200 units. Around 2 lakh consumers might be left out of the scheme as their monthly consumption exceeds 200 units. The scheme which is one of the five poll guarantees of the Congress party will be implemented from August.
"The eligible beneficiaries will have to link their Aadhaar card number with the RR number (electricity board) and register at any of the Bangalore One or Grama One kiosks to avail the benefit. The average monthly power consumption per connection is 53 units.
The electricity companies (escoms) will estimate the 12-month average consumption by each consumer and add additional 10 per cent (of the units consumed). If the total consumption is still below 200 units, the escoms will generate a zero bill. If the consumption exceeds 200 units, the consumer will have to pay the bill as per the existing slabs plus the nine per cent tax," said Energy minister K.J. George, who addressed a press meet in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Clarifying that the scheme was meant for everyone irrespective of whether they are owners or tenants, George said, "While the owner of the house can submit the property document with the RR number, the tenants may submit the rental agreement copy, Aadhaar card or voter id card as address proof while applying for the scheme. An exclusive Seva Sindhu app will be introduced to register the beneficiaries from June 15."
"We are not trying to exclude people but extend the benefit to all classes of people," said George.
