The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) held a district-level public hearing in Kalaburagi on October 15 to seek suggestions and objections to the draft Karnataka Electricity Supply Regulations (ESR)-2026 from stakeholders in Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts.

The hearing, chaired by KERC Chairperson P. Ravi Kumar, was held in the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Domestic and commercial electricity consumers, farmers, industrialists, contractors, and representatives of various organisations participated and submitted their views in writing and also orally.

Participants stressed that the proposed regulations should protect the interests of consumers and farmers. They called for a simplified electricity connection process and consumer-friendly provisions relating to penalties. Industrial representatives drew the commission’s attention to the possible impact of the proposed billing and metering rules on industries.

Responding to the submissions, Mr. Ravi Kumar said the draft regulations, published on August 14, 2026, had not yet been finalised. Public hearings were being conducted in different districts of Karnataka to gather feedback from stakeholders.

He assured participants that all suggestions and objections received during the consultations would be examined in detail, and necessary changes would be made before the final regulations were framed, keeping the public interest in view.

He was accompanied by KERC member (Law) H.K. Jagadish, Assistant Secretary Javed Akhtar, P.R. Gopinath, and officials of the Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited (GESCOM).