Karnataka is one of the strongest solar markets in peninsular India, and BESCOM, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, is its largest DISCOM. A well-run BESCOM net metering application completes in 45–60 days from submission to bidirectional meter installation. A poorly prepared one stalls at inspection or gets rejected for document gaps that take another 30 days to resolve. This guide walks through the complete BESCOM net metering process for 2026, step by step, so your team submits right the first time.
KEY TAKEAWAY
BESCOM's net metering application uses the Suvarna online portal and follows a 6-stage process: pre-check → online application → BESCOM feasibility visit → sanction letter → EPC installation → commissioning & meter swap. KERC's export tariff is ₹3.56/unit for systems ≤10 kW and ₹4.16/unit for 10 kW–500 kW. The single most common cause of delay is a mismatch between the BESCOM consumer account name and the applicant's legal entity, fix this before you apply, not after.
BESCOM coverage area and jurisdiction
BESCOM serves the largest urban agglomeration in Karnataka, Bengaluru and its surrounding districts. Before starting the net metering application, verify the consumer is on BESCOM supply. Confusing jurisdictions is a frequent error that EPC teams make when expanding into Karnataka.
BESCOM jurisdictional districts:
- Bangalore Urban (BBMP area + peripheral localities)
- Bangalore Rural
- Tumkur
- Ramanagara
- Chikkaballapura
- Kolar
If your project is outside these six districts, it falls under a different Karnataka DISCOM, see the section on HESCOM, GESCOM, MESCOM, and CESC later in this guide. Confirm the DISCOM by checking the consumer's electricity bill header, it will clearly show "BESCOM" along with the sub-division office name and consumer number format.
KERC regulations governing BESCOM net metering
BESCOM's net metering process is governed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) Net Metering Regulations, 2016, along with subsequent amendments and the KERC tariff order issued each financial year. Key regulatory parameters:
- Applicable scheme: KERC Net Metering Regulations 2016 (amended 2019, 2021)
- Maximum capacity: Up to 10 MW (10,000 kW) per connection, the most generous cap of any major Indian DISCOM
- System capacity limit per consumer: Must not exceed the consumer's sanctioned load (in kW)
- Eligible consumers: Residential (LT1), Commercial (LT2/LT4), Industrial (HT), Agricultural, all categories eligible under KERC regulations
- Mandatory inverter requirement: Grid-interactive inverter with anti-islanding protection and islanding detection complying with IEC 62116 / IS 16169
- Meter standard: Smart bidirectional meter complying with IS 16444 Part 3, BESCOM procures and installs this meter
PM Surya Ghar note. Residential consumers applying under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana apply through the national portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and BESCOM processes the net metering installation as part of the scheme's commissioning workflow. The KERC export tariff applies regardless of whether the consumer is a PM Surya Ghar beneficiary or a direct applicant.
The BESCOM 6-Stage Net Metering Approval Framework
The following framework, the BESCOM 6-Stage Approval Framework, is the complete sequential process from pre-application through to live net metering. Each stage has a defined owner, a defined output, and a target timeline per KERC regulations.
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1
Pre-Application Check, Verify eligibility before touching the portal
Confirm the consumer address is in BESCOM territory (six districts listed above). Confirm the consumer account name matches the legal name of the owner/entity that will sign the interconnection agreement, mismatches are the top rejection reason. Verify the proposed system kWp does not exceed sanctioned load in kW. Confirm the inverter model is on a recognised compliance list (check MNRE ALMM if PM Surya Ghar). Check whether the building has an Occupancy Certificate (OC) or Khatha, BESCOM has tightened documentation requirements for layouts without OC.
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2
Online Application, Suvarna portal submission
BESCOM's net metering application is submitted through the Suvarna online portal (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in / BESCOM citizen portal). Create an account using the consumer number and registered mobile number. Select "Solar Rooftop Net Metering Application" from the services menu. Fill in consumer number, proposed system capacity, inverter make/model, panel make/model, and installer credentials. Upload the document set (detailed in the next section). Pay the ₹500 application fee online. Note the application reference number, you'll use this to track status and for all BESCOM correspondence.
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3
BESCOM Feasibility Inspection, Sub-division engineer site visit
The BESCOM sub-division office assigned to the consumer's area sends an assistant executive engineer (AEE) to inspect the site. The AEE evaluates transformer loading in the area, metering panel accessibility, roof structural suitability (visual check), and distance from the consumer's DB panel to the proposed inverter location. KERC mandates this feasibility visit within 15 working days of application receipt. In Bangalore Urban, it typically happens within 10–18 working days. In Tumkur or Kolar, allow 18–25 working days. Be present at the site during this visit, it signals professionalism and often accelerates the sanction.
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4
Sanction Letter, BESCOM approval and technical specifications
After feasibility clearance, BESCOM issues a sanction letter specifying: approved system capacity (in kWp), approved inverter specifications, any grid-strengthening works required (if transformer is overloaded, rare for residential), and the interconnection agreement terms. This letter also specifies the applicable export tariff rate (₹3.56/unit for ≤10 kW, ₹4.16/unit for 10 kW–500 kW per KERC FY 2026). KERC target: sanction within 15 working days of feasibility visit clearance. Sign and return the interconnection agreement to BESCOM before proceeding to installation.
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5
EPC Installation, Solar system installation per sanctioned design
Install the solar PV system (panels, mounting structure, inverter, AC cabling, AC disconnect, surge protection devices) per the sanctioned design. Do not deviate from the approved capacity or inverter model, changes require a fresh application or amendment letter. On completion, obtain the electrical inspection certificate from the Karnataka Electrical Inspectorate (either Chief Electrical Inspector or delegated officer for systems below 25 kW). Take date-stamped photos of the completed installation from multiple angles. Submit Commissioning Request along with the electrical inspection certificate, completion photos, and single-line diagram (as-built) to BESCOM through the Suvarna portal.
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6
Commissioning, Bidirectional meter installation and net metering activation
BESCOM's metering team visits the site, removes the existing single-direction meter, and installs the smart bidirectional net meter. They also verify the AC disconnect switch, check inverter anti-islanding function, and certify the connection. Once commissioned, the consumer's account is updated to net metering billing mode. The first net metering bill arrives in the next monthly cycle. KERC target: commissioning within 7 working days of receiving the Commissioning Request. In practice in Bangalore Urban, this takes 8–14 working days. Follow up at day 7 if you haven't received a commissioning date, this gap is where most BESCOM projects stall.
EPC timing tip. The gap between commissioning request submission and actual meter installation is the biggest source of project delay in BESCOM territory. Assign one team member specifically to follow up with the BESCOM metering department by phone on day 7 after Commissioning Request submission. Do not wait for an automated notification, BESCOM's portal notifications are unreliable at this stage. A proactive call to the sub-division AEE has shortened commissioning time by 5–8 days in consistently reported EPC experience.
BESCOM net metering document checklist
Submit all documents clearly scanned (minimum 200 DPI) and within the file size limit per the Suvarna portal requirements. Blurry or incomplete documents are a leading cause of application rejection at the portal intake stage.
| # | Document | Specification / Notes | Common Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latest BESCOM electricity bill | Must be within last 3 months; must show consumer number, account name, and sanctioned load clearly | Bill older than 3 months rejected at intake; blurry scan rejected |
| 2 | Identity proof of consumer (Aadhaar / PAN) | Name on ID must match name on BESCOM account exactly. For companies: GST certificate or Certificate of Incorporation | Name mismatch (e.g., "Ramesh K" vs "Ramesh Kumar") is top rejection reason |
| 3 | Property ownership proof | Registered sale deed, Khatha extract (Form B or A+B), or OC for apartment buildings. Rental properties require NOC from owner | Khatha in a different name than electricity consumer rejected; unregistered sale agreement not accepted |
| 4 | Site layout / roof plan | Single-line diagram showing panel placement, inverter location, AC disconnect location, and connection point to BESCOM meter. Prepare in AutoCAD or manually drawn on site plan | Missing inverter location or AC disconnect on diagram causes feasibility delay |
| 5 | Technical specification sheets | Datasheet for solar panels (with make, model, wattage, efficiency) and inverter (with make, model, rated output, grid compliance certifications) | Generic/unsigned datasheet rejected; must show IEC/IS certification number |
| 6 | EPC company credentials | Valid Karnataka Electrical Contractor Licence or BESCOM empanelment certificate; GST registration; company PAN | Expired contractor licence causes application rejection, renew annually |
| 7 | BESCOM application form (online) | Filled completely through Suvarna portal; do not leave optional fields blank if they apply to the project | Incomplete form fields cause portal rejection before review even begins |
| 8 | Application fee payment receipt | ₹500 paid online through the Suvarna portal at the time of application; receipt generated automatically | No alternate payment mode, must pay through portal, not at BESCOM office |
BESCOM net metering charges, what you and the customer will pay
| Charge Type | Amount (FY 2026) | Paid To | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online application fee | ₹500 | BESCOM via Suvarna portal | No, non-refundable |
| Bidirectional smart meter (supplied by BESCOM) | ₹4,000–₹5,000 (approx., varies by meter model procured) | BESCOM at commissioning stage | No, one-time capital charge |
| Security deposit (residential) | ₹2,000–₹5,000 (capacity-based, for residential LT1 category) | BESCOM at sanction stage | Yes, refunded if net metering is discontinued |
| Wheeling charge | Nil for systems ≤500 kW (waived by KERC) | N/A | N/A |
| Banking charges | Nil under BESCOM net metering (KERC waiver applies) | N/A | N/A |
| Annual surplus settlement | At KERC-determined rate (lower than in-period credit rate), typically ₹2.00–₹2.50/unit for annual surplus cash-out | Paid by BESCOM to consumer (credit to bill) | Consumer receives cash equivalent in next bill |
BESCOM solar export tariff, how net metering billing works
Under the KERC FY 2026 tariff order, BESCOM credits solar exports at:
- ₹3.56 per unit for systems up to 10 kW (residential scale)
- ₹4.16 per unit for systems between 10 kW and 500 kW (commercial/industrial scale)
These are fixed rates, not linked to the consumer's consumption slab. This is a key structural difference from states like Gujarat and Maharashtra where the export credit mirrors the retail tariff slab.
How monthly billing works under BESCOM net metering:
- The bidirectional smart meter records both import (units drawn from BESCOM grid) and export (units exported from solar to BESCOM grid) separately throughout the month.
- At the end of the billing cycle, BESCOM computes: Net Units = Import Units − Export Units.
- If Net Units is positive (more import than export), the consumer pays at their standard residential/commercial tariff for the Net Units consumed.
- If Net Units is negative (more export than import), the surplus units carry forward to the next month as a credit at the applicable export tariff rate.
- At the end of the financial year (31 March), any remaining credit balance is settled in cash at the KERC annual settlement rate.
System sizing advice. Design BESCOM residential systems to cover 80–90% of the consumer's annual consumption rather than 100%+. Surplus units banked beyond monthly offset are eventually settled at the lower annual rate (approx. ₹2.00–₹2.50/unit) rather than the in-period credit rate (₹3.56/unit). Oversizing a system does not proportionally improve economics, it increases the capital cost while reducing the effective realisation per exported unit. Aim for a system where annual generation ≈ 85% of annual consumption.
BESCOM net metering vs other Karnataka DISCOMs, quick comparison
BESCOM is not the only Karnataka DISCOM. If your EPC is expanding from Bangalore into other Karnataka districts, you will encounter these utilities:
| DISCOM | Area Served | NM Portal | Export Tariff | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BESCOM | Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Tumkur, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura, Kolar | Suvarna portal (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in) | ₹3.56/unit (≤10 kW); ₹4.16/unit (10–500 kW) | 45–60 days (Bangalore Urban) |
| HESCOM | Hubli-Dharwad, Belagavi, Haveri, Gadag, Uttara Kannada | HESCOM consumer portal (hescom.co.in) | Same KERC rates apply (₹3.56–₹4.16/unit) | 50–70 days |
| GESCOM | Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir | GESCOM consumer portal (gescom.in) | Same KERC rates apply (₹3.56–₹4.16/unit) | 55–75 days |
| MESCOM | Mangaluru, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu | MESCOM consumer portal (mescom.in) | Same KERC rates apply (₹3.56–₹4.16/unit) | 50–65 days |
| CESC (Chamundeshwari) | Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya | CESC consumer portal (cescmysore.com) | Same KERC rates apply (₹3.56–₹4.16/unit) | 50–70 days |
KERC uniformity advantage. All five Karnataka DISCOMs operate under the same KERC regulations and export tariff structure. If you build your team's process for BESCOM, the process is 90% transferable to HESCOM, GESCOM, MESCOM, and CESC, with only the sub-division contacts and portal URLs changing. This makes Karnataka one of the easier multi-DISCOM states to scale EPC operations across, compared to states like Maharashtra or UP where DISCOM-level variations are more significant. See our broader comparison of net metering charges across Indian states for context.
Common BESCOM net metering rejection reasons, and how to avoid them
Most BESCOM net metering rejections fall into five categories. Knowing them before you apply eliminates the most common delays.
TOP REJECTION REASONS AT BESCOM
- Name mismatch: Consumer account name does not match ID proof or property document name, fix by updating BESCOM account first (takes 7–10 days separately)
- System oversizing: Proposed kWp exceeds consumer's sanctioned load in kW, requires load enhancement application before NM application
- Inverter non-compliance: Inverter model not certified to IEC 62116 or IS 16169 anti-islanding standard, check datasheet and certification number before procurement
- Incomplete site diagram: Single-line diagram missing AC disconnect location, earthing point, or inverter AC output connection, common in copy-paste diagrams
- Expired contractor licence: EPC's Karnataka Electrical Contractor Licence has lapsed, renew 30 days before it expires; don't wait for expiry notice
PREVENTION CHECKLIST FOR EPC TEAMS
- Always pull the consumer's BESCOM bill before site survey, confirm account name against their ID proof the same day
- Check sanctioned load on the bill before sizing the system, flag load enhancement requirement during lead qualification
- Maintain a pre-approved inverter model list, only procure from models where you have the IEC/IS certificate in your file
- Use a standardised single-line diagram template that includes all required elements, don't customise per project at the risk of omitting standard items
- Set a licence renewal calendar reminder for 45 days before expiry, one expired licence can block all active BESCOM applications simultaneously
Pros and cons of BESCOM net metering for EPC businesses targeting Karnataka
BESCOM STRENGTHS
- Online Suvarna portal, no physical office visits required for application stage
- Up to 10 MW capacity limit, India's most generous, opens large C&I market
- Fixed export tariff (₹3.56–₹4.16/unit) is predictable, can be used directly in payback models
- Zero wheeling and banking charges under KERC waiver, clean credit with no hidden deductions
- KERC regulatory framework is mature and well-documented, fewer DISCOM disputes
- Bangalore's urban density means high concentration of qualified commercial leads per geography
BESCOM CHALLENGES
- Meter installation (commissioning stage) is the most common delay, 14–25 days vs KERC target of 7
- Portal notification system is unreliable, must track proactively by phone
- Name mismatch issues require a separate correction process before NM application can proceed
- Annual surplus settlement rate (~₹2.00–₹2.50/unit) significantly lower than in-period credit (₹3.56/unit), affects oversized systems
- Apartment buildings require NOC from housing society + OC, additional layer for multi-unit residential projects
How QuickEstimate helps EPC teams manage BESCOM net metering projects at scale
For a Karnataka-focused EPC with 10+ concurrent BESCOM projects, manual tracking through the Suvarna portal becomes a bottleneck. Projects stall at the commissioning stage because no one is actively following up. Customers call asking for status. Here is where a structured solar sales funnel and a project management tool combine:
- → BESCOM-specific payback calculator: QuickEstimate loads KERC's ₹3.56/unit export tariff and zero wheeling charges automatically when Karnataka / BESCOM is selected, no manual entry, no rate lookup errors.
- → Stage-based project tracking: Every BESCOM project is logged at one of 6 stages (matching the framework above). Your operations team sees at a glance which projects are overdue at commissioning, triggering the day-7 follow-up call automatically.
- → Document checklist per project: The 8-item BESCOM document checklist is attached to each project. Team members mark items complete with upload confirmation, no project gets submitted with a missing document.
- → Customer status communication: When a project moves to "BESCOM inspection scheduled" or "Meter installation date confirmed," the system triggers a WhatsApp or SMS update to the customer automatically. This reduces the inbound "what's the status?" call volume from customers by 60–70%. For solar follow-up best practices, proactive status updates are the single highest-ROI communication habit.
- → Referral trigger at commissioning: The moment a BESCOM project is marked "Net meter live," QuickEstimate prompts the assigned salesperson to request a referral from the customer. Referral leads from newly commissioned customers convert at 3–4x the rate of cold leads, but most EPC teams miss this window because it happens at the operations handoff, not in the sales workflow.
BESCOM net metering timeline, realistic vs regulatory
Understanding the gap between the KERC-mandated timeline and the actual field timeline helps you set accurate expectations with customers. Overpromising timelines is a leading cause of customer dissatisfaction in the Karnataka solar EPC market.
| Stage | KERC Target | Bangalore Urban (Actual) | Outer Districts (Actual) | Common Delay Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application intake review | 3 working days | 3–7 working days | 5–10 working days | Document incompleteness; portal queue |
| Feasibility inspection | 15 working days | 10–18 working days | 18–28 working days | AEE availability; backlog in high-installation areas |
| Sanction letter issuance | 15 working days | 7–12 working days | 10–18 working days | Administrative backlog; transformer loading analysis delay |
| EPC installation (consumer-controlled) | Not regulated, EPC's schedule | 5–12 days (typical residential) | 7–15 days | Material procurement; labour scheduling |
| Electrical inspection (CEI/state inspectorate) | Not regulated, inspectorate schedule | 5–10 days | 7–15 days | Inspector availability; appointment backlog |
| Commissioning / meter swap | 7 working days | 14–22 working days | 20–35 working days | Metering team workload; meter stock availability; active follow-up required |
Practical customer expectation: Quote 45–60 days for Bangalore Urban residential projects with complete documents. Quote 60–75 days for outer district projects (Tumkur, Kolar, Chikkaballapura). Build in a 10-day buffer for unexpected delays at the commissioning stage.
Regulatory references for BESCOM net metering
Always verify charges and tariff rates against the official sources before including them in a customer proposal:
- KERC official website (tariff orders, net metering regulations): kerc.karnataka.gov.in
- BESCOM official website and Suvarna portal: bescom.karnataka.gov.in
- PM Surya Ghar national portal (for residential scheme applications): pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- MNRE for ALMM list and empanelled vendor verification: mnre.gov.in
- Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (state nodal agency for PM Surya Ghar in Karnataka): kredl.karnataka.gov.in
Also useful before quoting Karnataka customers: the full comparison of net metering charges across Indian states, the DGVCL net metering guide if you operate in Gujarat too, and the MSEDCL guide for Maharashtra cross-referencing.
Frequently asked questions, BESCOM net metering
What is the export tariff for BESCOM solar net metering in 2026?
How long does the BESCOM net metering process take in 2026?
What documents are required for BESCOM solar net metering application?
What is the maximum system size for BESCOM net metering?
What is the most common reason for BESCOM net metering application rejection?
Does BESCOM charge wheeling or banking fees for net metering?
Can a tenant or renter apply for BESCOM solar net metering?
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