KERC Brings New Norms For EV Charging Stations For Buildings

KERC Brings New Norms For EV Charging Stations For Buildings

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) in its latest suo motto order has issued new guidelines for the establishment of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations for commercial/residential buildings in urban areas of the state.

The state power regulator said that the move was taken to streamline the establishment of the charging stations by bringing more clarity on the issue. KERC said that it had received several representations from housing societies on the hurdles faced by them in establishing EV charging stations at their premises.

The new KERC guidelines on EV charging stations talked about the establishment of such units either for common shared facilities or for individual EV charging stations. The norms also talked about the role of local discoms in the whole scenario. Following are broad points highlighting the new norms–

1. EV Charging tariff

KERC, in its order said that the EV tariff under LT6(C) as per the tariff order of 2024 stood at Rs 4.50 per kWh.

2. Ceiling of capacity under LT connection

The guidelines said that the local discoms can setup the new EV charging stations based on the request from the consumers, promotors, occupiers, owners and associations of commercial and residential buildings. The individual connection for each EV charging stations upto and inclusive is allowed under LT connection.

3. Evaluation on the no of connections 

The new KERC norms said that the consumers,promoters, occupiers, owners and associations need to evaluate the number of such EV charging station connections needed. They need to decide on whether they want a single point connection or individual connections for each consumer.

4. Discom nod needed for EV stations in uncovered areas 

The new norms said that for new connections in common areas which are uncovered, the consumers need to get special sanction from the discoms to ensure safety parameters. It said that modifying the panels might be needed to add the wires to the existing or new meters.

5. Sanctioned loads could be increased

The new norms said that the EV charging stations/points are permitted to be connected in the existing installations within the sanctioned load or if needed the customers can also enhance the load of the meters with the approval of the discoms.

6. Individual EV connections allowed 

The new KERC norms said that those flat owners who have dedicated parking space in multi storied buildings can install individual EV charging stations for all types of vehicles including two wheelers and are allowed to connect such units within their existing sanctioned load or if necessary with an enhanced sanctioned load. They are also allowed to choose for a new connection under the EV charging tariff.