Electric vehicle (EV) users in Karnataka will have to get approvals from distribution licensees to install EV chargers in non-designated areas, according to a new Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) order.

Karnataka has developed standard operating guidelines for all EV users due to the confusion and inconsistency within the residential EV charging space.

The rules include tariffs for EV charging and installing the chargers in designated and non-designated areas.

The KERC order comes in the background of EV users and building owners complaining about practical difficulties in the installation of EV charging stations such as metering, and extension of charging cables in common areas.

2 EV charging points

KERC has added a new clause to the Conditions of Supply (Eighth amendment, 2019) about commercial/residential buildings, complexes, and multi-story buildings within Karnataka with a requisitioned load of 250 kW or more and more than 5,000 sq mt of the built-up area of the building. The owner/promoter of such buildings must install two charging points capable of charging any vehicle of any EV segment.

Charging installations in multi-story buildings

EV charging stations in designated EV charging zones can be deployed either as a single point for the association or as individual connections for each consumer with approval from the area distribution licensee.

EV users (all vehicle segments) in multi-story buildings/complexes can install their EV chargers within the sanctioned load or increase the load upon approval from the distribution licensee. However, the tariff will be charged as per the installation category tariff. They may also choose a new connection under the EV charging category.

In buildings with no designated parking space, EV charging stations/points must be set up in common areas.

As per the KERC order, the energy charge for EVs has been fixed at ₹4.50/kWh ($ 0.054/kWh).

The wiring and cabling can be extended from the meter panel to the EV charging unit.

The individual connection for each EV charging station up to 150 kW is allowed under LT connection.

Sub-metering

EV users will also be able to now install LT/HT sub-meters for their EV charging stations. The energy consumption recorded in the sub-meter will be deducted from the consumption in the main meter. Billings for sub-meters will take place as per the EV tariff. There will be no fixed charges for these sub-meters.

The commission has also asked the Chief Electrical Inspector, Government Electrical Inspectorate, to issue norms for placing energy meters in metering panels, the type/manner of electrical wiring/cabling from meter panels to charging stations, safety earthing, and prescribed standards for wiring.

The distribution licensee has also been asked to issue guidelines for installing EV charging stations/points.

In its Budget for 2024, the Karnataka government announced plans to set up around 2,500 EV charging stations in the state in partnership with the private sector. It also said it would invest ₹350 million (~$4.2 million) to set up 100 EV charging centers in collaboration with distribution companies.

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