Electricity bills can take up a big part of your monthly budget. But what if you could get free electricity up to 200 units every month? That’s exactly what the Gruha Jyothi Scheme offers to residents of Karnataka.
Launched in August 2023, this scheme has already helped over 1.7 crore families across Karnataka save money on their electricity bills. Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Gruha Jyothi Scheme in 2026 — from eligibility and documents to the step-by-step application process.
What is Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Gruha Jyothi (ಗೃಹಜ್ಯೋತಿ) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of Karnataka. It is one of the five guarantee schemes introduced by the Congress government. The scheme provides free electricity up to 200 units per month to eligible residential households.
The scheme was launched on August 1, 2023, with registrations starting from June 18, 2023. It replaced older schemes like Kuteera Jyothi, Amrutha Jyothi, and Bhagya Jyothi, bringing all domestic consumers under one umbrella.
In simple words: If your household electricity consumption is within the eligible limit, you don’t have to pay for those units — the government covers the cost.
Latest Gruha Jyothi Scheme Updates 2026
Here are the most important updates for 2026 that every beneficiary should know:
🔍 Door-to-Door Verification Drive
From July 1, 2026, the Karnataka Energy Department started a statewide door-to-door verification of Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries. Electricity Supply Company (ESCOM) staff and meter readers are visiting homes to verify records and collect beneficiary information.
📋 Documents Being Collected
During verification, beneficiaries are asked to provide:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Tenancy or rental agreement (if applicable)
- Ration card
- Caste certificate (optional)
Important: Providing caste details is optional. If you don’t wish to share your caste information, field staff have been instructed to select the “Refused to provide information” option.
🗳️ Voter List Link
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has stated that only registered voters of Karnataka will continue to receive benefits under the scheme. Non-voters may be removed from the beneficiary list.
💰 Budget Allocation
The Karnataka government is estimated to spend about ₹34,000 crore on free electricity in 2026-27, including ₹10,578 crore under the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
Key Benefits of Gruha Jyothi Scheme
How Free Units Are Calculated
Your free electricity units are based on your average monthly consumption in the financial year 2022-23:
- If your 2022-23 average was 150 units → you get 150 units free
- If your 2022-23 average was 80 units → you get 90 units free (80 + 10 bonus units)
- Maximum = 200 units free
Note: If you consume more than your free limit, the excess units will be billed at standard rates.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, you must meet these requirements:
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Permanent resident of Karnataka
- Domestic electricity connection (LT-1 category) — NOT commercial
- Average monthly consumption of 200 units or less over the last 12 months
- Only one connection per family — multiple connections under the same name can lead to rejection
🏠 Homeowners vs Tenants
Important: The government is now reviewing tenant applications more carefully. Tenants may need to provide a rental agreement or affidavit.
❌ Who Cannot Apply?
- Households with average consumption above 200 units per month
- Commercial connections
- Applicants who are not registered voters of Karnataka (as per the new rules)
Also Read: PM Awas Yojana List 2026: Check Gramin & Urban Beneficiary Status Online
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before you apply:
For Online Application:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Mobile Number (for OTP verification)
- Email ID
- Latest Electricity Bill (with RR number / Account ID)
For Verification (if ESCOM staff visits):
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Tenancy or rental agreement (if applicable)
- Ration card
- Caste certificate (optional — not mandatory)
Pro Tip: Keep both physical and digital copies of all documents for a smooth application process.
How to Apply Online
Applying for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme is simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Seva Sindhu portal:
👉 sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in
Step 2: Find Gruha Jyothi Scheme
On the homepage, click on the “Gruha Jyothi Scheme” icon or link
Step 3: Choose Your Language
Select your preferred language — English or Kannada
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
Enter all required details carefully:
- Your ESCOM name (BESCOM, CESC, GESCOM, HESCOM, MESCOM, or HRECS)
- Application ID and Connection ID (RR number from your electricity bill)
- Aadhaar number
- Applicant name (exactly as on Aadhaar card)
- Type of occupancy (owner/tenant)
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of required documents (Aadhaar, electricity bill, etc.)
Step 6: Submit Application
✅ No application fee — registration is completely free
Offline Application Process
If you don’t have internet access, you can apply offline at these centers:
- Karnataka One centers
- Grama One centers
- Bangalore One centers
- Nadakacheri (government service centers)
- Nearest Electricity Office (ESCOM office)
Visit any of these centers, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Staff will help you complete the registration.
How to Check Application Status
Once you’ve applied, you can check your application status easily:
Method 1: Online Status Check
- Visit the Seva Sindhu portal: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on “Know the Status of Your Application” or “Track Your Application”
- Select your DISCOM (BESCOM, MESCOM, CESC, HESCOM, or GESCOM)
- Enter your electricity Account ID (connection number from your bill)
- Click “Check Status” to see your application status
Method 2: SMS Status Check
You can also check your status by SMS:
- Send your 12-digit ration card number to 8147500500 or 8277000555
Method 3: Visit the Portal Directly
Go to the Gruha Jyothi status page:
👉 sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/StatucTrack/Track_Status
Important Rules to Remember
📌 Electricity Usage Rules
- Your free units are calculated based on your 2022-23 average consumption
- If you use more than your free limit, you’ll pay for the extra units
- No carryover — unused free units don’t roll over to the next month
📌 Eligibility Rules
- Only one connection per family is allowed
- The scheme is only for residential use — commercial use is not allowed
- You must be a Karnataka resident
- Voter ID is now being used to verify eligibility
📌 Disqualification Cases
Your application may be rejected or cancelled if:
- You have multiple electricity connections in your name
- You are not a registered voter in Karnataka
- You provided incorrect or incomplete information
- Your electricity connection is being used for commercial purposes
Common Reasons for Rejection
| Issue | Why It Happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect Aadhaar | Aadhaar number doesn’t match your name or is invalid | Double-check your Aadhaar details before submitting |
| Wrong RR Number | The connection ID entered doesn’t match your electricity bill | Use the RR number exactly as printed on your bill |
| Duplicate Application | Multiple applications from the same person or family | Only one application per family is allowed |
| Incomplete Documents | Missing or unclear document copies | Upload clear, legible copies of all required documents |
| Commercial Connection | Your electricity connection is registered for commercial use | Only domestic/residential connections are eligible |
Helpline Number & Official Website
📞 Helpline Numbers
| Helpline | Number | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| BESCOM Dedicated Helpline | 9480816111, 9480816112, 9480816113, 9480816114 | 6 AM to 10 PM (daily) |
| 24×7 Helpline | 1912 | 24 hours, 7 days |
🌐 Official Websites
| Portal | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Seva Sindhu (Apply) | sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in | Online application |
| Seva Sindhu (Status) | sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in | Check application status |
| BESCOM Official | bescom.karnataka.gov.in | Scheme information |
FAQs
Any permanent resident of Karnataka with a domestic electricity connection and an average monthly consumption of 200 units or less is eligible. Homeowners and tenants both can apply.
You get free electricity up to 200 units per month, based on your average consumption in 2022-23. If your average was below 90 units, you get 10 bonus units.
Yes, tenants are eligible. You need to have a valid RR number of the electricity connection, and you may need to provide a rental agreement.
Yes, Aadhaar is required for verification. Your mobile number linked to Aadhaar may be used for OTP verification.
Visit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in → Click on “Track Your Application” → Enter your account ID → Check status. You can also check via SMS.
If you need to make changes, visit the nearest Karnataka One or ESCOM office for assistance. Some changes may require you to delink and reapply.
If your consumption exceeds your eligible free limit, you will be billed for the excess units at standard tariff rates.
No, providing caste details is optional. If you don’t wish to share, staff will select “Refused to provide information”.
Conclusion
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a game-changer for Karnataka residents, offering free electricity up to 200 units and helping families save thousands of rupees every year. With over 1.7 crore families already enrolled, it’s one of the most successful welfare schemes in the state.
⚠️ Important Advice Before Applying
- Check your eligibility carefully before applying
- Keep all documents ready — Aadhaar, electricity bill, voter ID
- Apply only once — duplicate applications lead to rejection
- Cooperate with verification — ESCOM staff may visit your home
- Provide accurate information — incorrect details can cancel your benefits
- Ensure you are a registered voter in Karnataka
- Use the official Seva Sindhu portal — avoid fake websites
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your electricity bills to zero. Apply today through the Seva Sindhu portal and start saving!
