The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) announced a draft amendment to the Conditions of Supply for electricity distribution licensees that will be published within one month to simplify procedures and improve service delivery. The chairman said the draft will invite public objections and that the Commission will visit the district to gather stakeholder feedback. The announcement followed an interaction with public representatives, consumers and officials of the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Mescom).\n\nDuring the meeting several issues of supply, procurement and tariff burden were raised and Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra alleged irregularities in procurement of reinforced cement concrete poles by Mescom. He said that in 2021 the lowest bidder had quoted Rs 4,750 per pole and that after negotiations Mescom finalised Rs 5,186 for an eight-metre pole. He contrasted this with Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited (Gescom), which bought poles at Rs 4,282, and said he could procure them at Rs 3,855.\n\nJnanendra also alleged that consumers faced additional costs, including pension liabilities of Mescom staff, and that charges for new electricity connections and irrigation pumpset connections were excessive. He criticised a Mallandur substation as benefiting a coffee estate owner, while the Mescom managing director said the substation was planned on technical grounds and public demand and would benefit 67 villages. Concerns were raised about Udupi-Kasargode Transmission Limited, with no further details.\n\nThe KERC chair observed a poor response to the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar rooftop solar initiative, noting that the Gruha Jyothi scheme provides free electricity up to 200 units, which has reduced interest in rooftop systems. Participants reported smart meter malfunctions in areas with network problems and software glitches affecting rooftop projects, and the chair directed Mescom not to delay implementation and to use manual processes if needed. Attendees urged reduction of administrative costs, automation for streetlight switching and stricter action on illegal connections, and the chair said public concerns would be considered for inclusion in the draft amendment.