KERC Issues New Guidelines for EV Charging Stations in Urban Buildings

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has issued new guidelines for the establishment of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in commercial and residential buildings in urban areas.

The initiative aims to streamline the establishment of EV charging stations by providing clearer instructions and addressing practical challenges faced by stakeholders.

The state power regulator highlighted that the new guidelines are intended to address the practical difficulties encountered by consumers, promoters, occupiers, owners, and associations regarding the installation of EV charging stations. These difficulties include issues such as metering, extending cabling or wiring in common areas while complying with safety standards, and obtaining connections for EV charging stations, particularly in multi-storeyed buildings or complexes.

According to the KERC, the EV tariff under LT6(C) as per the 2024 tariff order is set at INR 4.50 per kWh. Distribution licensees, upon request from consumers, promoters, occupiers, owners, or associations, are required to arrange for the servicing of EV charging stations in compliance with the provisions of the CoS, Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, and the charging infrastructure guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power. Individual connections for each EV charging station up to and including 150 kW are allowed under LT connections.

The entity in control of the building must evaluate the number of EV charging station connections needed and decide whether to opt for a single point connection or individual connections for each consumer. For new connections in uncovered common areas, consumers need to obtain special sanctions from the discoms to ensure safety, and modifications to panels may be required to add wires to existing or new metres.

Individual flat owners, consumers, or occupiers with a specific parking space in multi-storeyed buildings who wish to install EV charging stations are allowed to connect such units within their existing sanctioned load or may opt to enhance the load with the approval of the distribution licensee.

The order also permits LT/HT sub-meters within premises deploying EV charging infrastructure in buildings with HT/EHT connections, with consumption recorded in the sub-meter billed as per the applicable tariff in force for EV charging.

These new guidelines are expected to facilitate the smoother installation and operation of EV charging stations, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in urban areas across Karnataka.