Karnataka departments owe escoms ₹8,690 crore

Karnataka's government departments owe a total of ₹8,690 crore to electricity supply companies in the state, according to recent data from the Energy Department. The biggest debtor is the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), which is owed ₹4,541.21 crore. Following Bescom, the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) is owed ₹1,505.17 crore. The Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company (Gescom) has arrears of ₹1,316.42 crore. Other smaller amounts are owed to the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (Cesc) at ₹764.22 crore, the Mangaluru Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) at ₹542.01 crore, and the Hukkeri Rural Electric Cooperative Society at ₹21.16 crore. In March 2024, Bescom had outstanding debts of ₹6,840 crore, but that amount has decreased by ₹2,299 crore as of January 2025. In a previous statement, Energy Minister K.J. George highlighted that a significant portion of Bescom's dues came from public drinking water units and streetlight systems. Bescom has started disconnecting power to government offices that have defaulted on payments after issuing multiple notices. However, essential services like hospitals, schools, and police stations have been exempted from disconnections. George also mentioned that the electricity supply companies have the authority to cut off power with a 15-day notice. Experts warn that the financial health of these companies is critical, as they are collectively facing losses of ₹39,000 crore. Recovery of these dues is urgent to prevent further decline in Karnataka's power sector.