Solar & wind project approvals in Karnataka — complete regulatory roadmap
Everything a developer, EPC or industrial consumer needs to navigate Karnataka's power-project approvals: the state agencies, open-access and banking rules, net-metering caps, land rules and the state-specific steps layered on top of national approvals.
Key agencies in Karnataka
| State Transmission Utility (STU) | Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) |
|---|---|
| Distribution companies (discoms) | BESCOM, MESCOM, CESC Mysore, HESCOM, GESCOM |
| State nodal agency (RE) | Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) |
| Electricity regulator | Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) |
| Electrical safety (CEIG) | Department of Electrical Inspectorate, Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) — verify the jurisdictional office |
Open access, banking & net metering in Karnataka
Green energy open access
LEGAL DIVERGENCE — the Karnataka High Court struck down the central GEOA Rules (Dec-2024); the state runs on its own KERC 2025 open-access regulations.
Banking
KERC Open Access Regulations 2025: banking at 8% in kind.
Net metering
Rooftop net metering capped around 1000 kW per current state regulation — verify with the discom.
Worth knowing
Rooftop systems below 1 MW are exempt from CEIG clearance; virtual/group net metering live since Jul-2025.
Land rules
Karnataka land-conversion (Section 95, KLR Act) via deputy commissioner; KREDL solar-park land available — verify current process. See the national guides for land-use conversion and land title & government allotment.
Approvals with Karnataka-specific procedures
- STU connectivity & evacuation approval — For projects connecting within one state's grid — connectivity approval from the state transmission utility,…
- Net-metering / interconnection agreement — The agreement letting you export solar power to the grid and offset your bill — capacity caps and tariffs…
- Land-use / NA (non-agricultural) conversion — Converting agricultural land for project use — several launch states now exempt solar entirely, others have…
- CEIG approvals — drawings, inspection & charging (3-touch) — Safety sign-off on your electrical installation in three touches: drawings approved before you build,…
- State nodal agency registration & single window — Registering your project with the state's renewable-energy nodal agency and single-window portal — the entry…
- Green energy open access & banking approvals — The approvals to wheel green power to a consumer over the grid — GEOA registration, SLDC/discom concurrence…
National approvals that apply in Karnataka
- ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access)
- Land title, lease & government land allotment
- Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines)
- Right of Way (RoW) compensation process
- CEIG approvals — drawings, inspection & charging (3-touch)
- SLDC/RLDC first-time charging & synchronization
Browse all 32 approvals, or generate the exact list for your project:
Map my project's full approval roadmap →Should my business switch to green power?
Frequently asked questions
Who is the State Transmission Utility (STU) in Karnataka?
Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL). Intra-state (InSTS) connectivity applications for utility-scale projects are made to KPTCL.
Which agency handles renewable energy approvals in Karnataka?
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) is the state nodal agency; the state regulator is Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC).
What are the open access rules in Karnataka?
LEGAL DIVERGENCE — the Karnataka High Court struck down the central GEOA Rules (Dec-2024); the state runs on its own KERC 2025 open-access regulations. Verify the currently applicable regulation with KERC.
What are the banking rules for green energy in Karnataka?
KERC Open Access Regulations 2025: banking at 8% in kind. Banking rules change frequently — verify with the discom/KERC.
What is the net-metering cap in Karnataka?
Rooftop net metering is capped around 1000 kW per the state regulation — verify the current cap and any network charges with the discom.
State rules change frequently. This page reflects the RegNav knowledge base — indicative guidance, not legal advice. Verify with KERC, KPTCL and the concerned departments.