Gruha Jyothi — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

What is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?

The Gruha Jyothi scheme (also called Gruha Jyothi Yojana) is a flagship welfare program by the Karnataka state government that provides up to 200 units of free electricity per month to eligible domestic households. Launched on 18 June 2023, it is one of the five guarantee schemes introduced by the Congress-led Karnataka government.

The scheme replaces and merges three older electricity subsidy programs — Kuteera Jyothi, Amrutha Jyothi, and Bhagya Jyothi — into a single, simplified benefit. Over 1.72 crore consumers across Karnataka have registered under the scheme.

Whether you own your home or live as a tenant, the Gruha Jyothi scheme can significantly reduce or completely eliminate your monthly electricity bill. The benefit is delivered directly through your existing electricity connection — no separate payments involved.

Also read: Karnataka Government Schemes — Complete Guide

Who is Eligible for Gruha Jyothi Scheme?

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a resident of Karnataka (even non-Kannadigas living in the state qualify)
• Must have a domestic/residential electricity connection (commercial connections are not eligible)
• Only one electricity meter per household can be registered for the benefit
• Tenants are eligible even if the meter is in the landlord's name
• Aadhaar card must be linked to the electricity consumer ID or account ID
• Average electricity consumption for the previous financial year must be below 200 units per month

Who is NOT Eligible?

• Households with commercial or industrial electricity connections
• Consumers whose average monthly consumption exceeds 200 units (based on the previous financial year)
• Households that already have more than one connection registered under the scheme

Benefits of Gruha Jyothi Scheme

2025 Revised Rules

As of October 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet approved important revisions:

• Consumers using under 90 units now get 10 additional free units (replacing the earlier 10% increment rule)
• Around 1.95 crore consumers use an average of 53 units/month and qualify for zero bills
• ESCOMs have simplified average consumption calculations for greater transparency

How is the Free Electricity Calculated?

Understanding the bill calculation is key to making the most of this scheme. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Calculate Your Average Consumption

The government calculates your average monthly electricity consumption based on units consumed between April 2022 and March 2023, plus a 10% increase.

Formula: Average = (Total units from April 2022 – March 2023 ÷ 12) + 10%

Step 2: Monthly Billing Rules

Example

Suppose your average consumption is 150 units. With the 10% increase, your free limit becomes 165 units.

• Use 160 units → ₹0 bill (within 165-unit free limit)
• Use 175 units → Pay for 10 units only (175 − 165 = 10)
• Use 210 units → Pay for the full 210 units (exceeds 200-unit cap)

For New Connections

If you don't have previous consumption data (new house or new connection), the government assigns a default average of 53 units + 10% ≈ 58 free units per month. After one year, your actual average is recalculated.

Documents Required

You'll need the following documents to apply:

• Aadhaar card of the applicant
• Latest electricity bill showing consumer ID/account ID
• Consumer ID or Account ID (printed on your electricity bill)
• Rental agreement (required only for tenants)

How to Apply for Gruha Jyothi Scheme Online

Online Application (Seva Sindhu Portal)

1. Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal
2. Click on the Gruha Jyothi scheme icon on the homepage
3. Select your preferred language (Kannada or English)
4. Enter the required details:
   • ESCOM name (BESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, CESC Mysore, or MESCOM)
   • Account ID / Connection ID from your electricity bill
   • Account holder name (owner's name on the meter)
   • Residential address
   • Type of occupancy (owner or tenant)
   • Aadhaar number
   • Mobile number
5. Tick the declaration checkbox and enter the CAPTCHA code
6. Click Submit
7. Save the acknowledgement number sent via SMS/email

Offline Application

Visit any of the following centres:

• Bangalore One centres
• Karnataka One centres
• Grama One centres
• Grama Panchayat offices
• Nadakacheri centres

Ask for the Gruha Jyothi application form, fill it out, attach required documents, and submit it at the counter. A small service charge may apply.

Related: How to Apply for a New Electricity Connection Online

How to Check Gruha Jyothi Application Status

1. Go to the Seva Sindhu Status Tracking page
2. Select your ESCOM from the dropdown
3. Enter your Account ID or Connection ID
4. Click Track Status

You can also reprint your acknowledgement slip if you've lost it by visiting the ESCOM-specific acknowledgement reprint portal.

ESCOMs Under Gruha Jyothi Scheme

The scheme covers all five electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) in Karnataka:

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Application Rejected or Not Processed

• Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your electricity consumer ID
• Check that the name on Aadhaar matches the account holder name
• Visit your local ESCOM office if the issue persists

2. Still Getting Full Bills Despite Registration

• Verify your registration status on the Seva Sindhu portal
• Confirm your average consumption is below 200 units
• Contact your ESCOM's helpline for clarification

3. Tenant Not Getting Benefits

• The tenant must apply separately even if the meter is in the owner's name
• Submit a valid rental agreement as proof of residence
• Ensure previous tenant's registration has been transferred or cancelled

4. New Connection — No Previous Data

• Default average of 58 units (53 + 10%) will be assigned
• After one year, your actual average consumption will be recalculated
• Keep usage under 200 units to remain eligible

5. Aadhaar Linking Issues

• Visit the nearest ESCOM office with your Aadhaar card and electricity bill
• Request Aadhaar-to-consumer ID seeding
• This is mandatory for receiving the Gruha Jyothi benefit

Difference from Earlier Electricity Subsidies

The Gruha Jyothi scheme is significantly more generous and inclusive than the older subsidies it replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many free units do I get under Gruha Jyothi?

You can get up to 200 units free per month, depending on your average consumption for the previous financial year.

2. Can tenants apply for the Gruha Jyothi scheme?

Yes. Tenants can apply even if the electricity meter is in the landlord's name. You'll need to submit a rental agreement.

3. What happens if I use more than 200 units in a month?

You will have to pay the entire electricity bill for that month — no partial subsidy applies when usage exceeds 200 units.

4. Is the scheme available for commercial connections?

No. Only domestic/residential electricity connections are eligible.

5. Do I need to apply every year?

No, you need to register only once. The benefit continues as long as you remain eligible. However, average consumption is recalculated periodically.

6. Which portal should I use to apply?

Use the Seva Sindhu portal for online applications. You can also apply offline at Bangalore One, Karnataka One, or Grama One centres.

7. My average consumption is below 200 units but I used more this month. Do I pay?

If your usage exceeds your calculated average but stays under 200 units, you pay only for the units above your average. If it exceeds 200 units, you pay the full bill.

8. Is there a deadline to apply?

As of now, no last date has been announced. The scheme is open for registration and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

9. Can I apply if I have connections in multiple houses?

You can register only one domestic connection per household under this scheme.

10. How long does it take for the benefit to reflect in my bill?

Typically, the subsidy reflects within 1–2 billing cycles after successful registration. Check your application status on the Seva Sindhu portal if there's a delay.

Other Karnataka Guarantee Schemes

The Gruha Jyothi scheme is one of five guarantee schemes by the Karnataka government. Explore the others:

• Shakti Scheme — Free Bus Travel for Women
• Gruha Lakshmi Scheme — ₹2,000 Monthly for Women
• Anna Bhagya Scheme — Free Rice for Families

The Gruha Jyothi scheme has been a game-changer for lakhs of Karnataka families, eliminating or significantly reducing their monthly electricity bills. If you haven't registered yet, apply today through the Seva Sindhu portal to start enjoying free electricity every month.