What this scheme offers
Launched on 1 July 2023 as the first of Karnataka's five 'guarantee' schemes to take effect, Gruha Jyothi gives registered households up to 200 units of free electricity a month. The 200-unit cap isn't a flat number for everyone — it's calculated against the household's own average consumption over the previous year plus a 10% margin, capped at 200 units, so a household that genuinely used more than 200 units before enrolling doesn't get the full benefit. Registration is done once through Seva Sindhu; tenants can register too, with an affidavit requirement added in 2026 to reduce disputes over who the actual consumer is.
Who is eligible
- Permanent Karnataka resident with a residential electricity connection in their own name (or as a verified tenant with an affidavit).
- Active voter ID.
- Average past consumption under 200 units/month (households consistently above 200 units are not eligible for the full benefit).
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Electricity bill (RR number)
- Voter ID
- Affidavit, for tenant applicants
How to apply
- Register online at sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in, or through assisted service centres (Grama One, Karnataka One, Bangalore One).
- Enter your RR number (from your electricity bill), Aadhaar and voter ID details.
- Tenants should additionally submit the required affidavit confirming their residency.
- Once registered, the free-unit benefit is applied automatically to your monthly bill from the next billing cycle.
- Check your registration status or reapply if there are discrepancies via the same portal.