Electricity that usually costs ₹6 per unit will now cost ₹10; why will bills be higher for the next 3 months?

Electricity consumers in Bengaluru may face additional charges on their bills for the next three months. The cost incurred from purchasing expensive electricity in September will be recovered through the Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA). Consumers are advised to reduce their consumption and check their electricity bills.

Residents of Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, may see extra charges on their electricity bills over the next three months. Due to a sudden surge in electricity demand in September, the Energy Department had to procure power from the open market at a higher cost.

It is reported that this additional expenditure will be recovered from consumers in a phased manner. Consequently, this may be reflected in electricity bills from October through December.

How much will the additional charge on the electricity bill be?

According to N. Shivashankar, Managing Director of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), an additional charge of approximately 0.5 paise per unit has been indicated for the period from September to November. However, consumers should verify the specific rates and the applicable rules as reflected in their own electricity bills.

This additional amount is recovered based on fluctuations in the cost of procuring electricity. Therefore, the impact on individual consumer bills may vary depending on their electricity consumption and the applicable charges.

Increased costs due to the purchase of expensive electricity

According to reports, the Energy Department of Karnataka had to purchase electricity from the open market due to a nationwide spike in power demand during September. While electricity is typically procured at a rate of approximately ₹6 to ₹6.15 per unit, the market price at that time climbed to nearly ₹10 per unit.

To pass on this increased cost to consumers, the Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) mechanism will be used. This charge is displayed separately on the electricity bill.

What should consumers do? Electricity consumers should check their bills for FPPCA charges and avoid using non-essential appliances during peak hours. Additionally, keeping lights, air conditioners, and other devices switched off when not in use can help reduce overall electricity consumption.

Electricity demand reached record levels in September

On September 11, 2026-27, the peak electricity demand in Karnataka reached approximately 20,000 megawatts. Daily electricity consumption also showed fluctuations throughout October. The Energy Department is currently in discussions with relevant departments to manage electricity demand within the agricultural sector.

Advice to avoid high electricity usage during morning and evening hours

To balance electricity demand, the Energy Department is preparing to advise the public to reduce power consumption during the peak morning and evening hours. The department encourages the use of high-consumption appliances—such as washing machines and air conditioners—during off-peak hours. This could help balance electricity demand throughout the day and alleviate pressure on the power supply.