Consumers Oppose BESCOM’s Move to Shift Gratuity and Pension Burden onto Them

BENGALURU

Consumers across Karnataka are voicing strong opposition to a new charge added to their electricity bills by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), claiming it is an unfair burden meant to fund pensions and gratuities for energy department employees.

At the heart of the controversy is a 36 paise per unit charge, which consumers allege is being collected illegally. They argue that the Karnataka Congress-led government is shifting the financial burden of its guarantee schemes onto ordinary citizens through hidden levies.

“This is daylight robbery. Electricity is already expensive — now we’re being forced to pay for employees' retirement benefits?” said a frustrated resident of Bengaluru. Public anger is escalating, with many taking to social media to criticize what they describe as an unjust and non-transparent decision.

Sources confirm that the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) approved the recovery of these employee-related costs over a two-year period. However, consumer rights activists and opposition parties argue that this move is against public interest and deepens financial strain on already burdened households.

Many see the new charge as a consequence of the state’s populist welfare programs — including free electricity, subsidized food, free bus travel for women, and cash transfers — which, while politically popular, are putting heavy pressure on the state’s finances.

Critics urge the government to find alternative funding sources for employee benefits instead of passing the responsibility onto consumers. As the debate intensifies, calls are growing for a rollback of the additional charge and for greater transparency in utility pricing.