Karnataka regulator unveils new rules for power supply reliability

The Kerala Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has finalised draft regulations for 2026 that will impose stricter accountability measures on power distribution utilities across the state. Among the key provisions is a mandate requiring electricity companies to include detailed power cut information on monthly consumer bills, enabling households and businesses to track service reliability at a glance.

The revised Electricity Supply Regulations 2026 also mandates faster turnaround times for new electricity connections. Distribution companies will face tighter deadlines for processing and installing connections, aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays that have long frustrated consumers seeking new supply.

These regulatory changes reflect mounting pressure on utilities to improve operational transparency and service delivery standards. By requiring outage data on bills, the commission is creating an accessible record that consumers can use to assess service quality and file complaints when standards fall short.

The draft regulations represent a significant shift toward consumer-centric governance in Kerala's power sector, establishing clearer benchmarks for utility performance. Industry observers expect the rules will serve as a template for other Indian states seeking to strengthen their regulatory frameworks around power supply reliability and customer service.