Tata Power Seeks Private Power Distribution Licence in Karnataka; Unions Plan Strike Over Move
मुख्य बातें
- •Tata Power has applied to KERC for a distribution licence covering Bescom, CESC, Hescom, Mescom and Gescom areas in Karnataka.
- •Within Bescom limits, Tata Power plans to serve over 1.86 lakh consumers within three years if the licence is granted.
- •KPTCL-affiliated unions are likely to oppose the move and may call a strike after internal discussions.
- •Karnataka’s Escoms reported combined losses of ₹34,980 crore and borrowings of ₹47,993 crore in 2024-25.
Bengaluru, May 25 2026 – Tata Power Company Limited has formally approached the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for a fresh power distribution licence covering parts of Bengaluru and four other electricity supply circles currently run by state-run utilities. The company’s petition, confirmed by KERC officials as “under scrutiny”, could mark the first major private entry into areas long served exclusively by the state-run Escoms—Bescom (Bengaluru), CESC (Mysuru), Hescom (Hubballi), Mescom (Mangaluru) and Gescom (Kalaburagi).
Within Bescom limits alone, Tata Power has disclosed an ambitious plan to reach more than 1.86 lakh consumers within three years of securing the licence. If granted, the move would open the door to private participation in distribution segments that have so far been the preserve of government utilities, giving consumers a formal choice between suppliers for the first time. Tata Power already operates distribution networks in Mumbai, Delhi, Odisha and Ajmer, and says it brings proven expertise in reducing transmission and distribution losses—an area where Bescom and other Karnataka Escoms have faced persistent criticism over ageing infrastructure.
