The process of installing EV charging units is becoming simpler. The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is speeding up because of their environmental benefits and advances in technology. A key need for EVs is the supply of electricity to set up charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Power has issued guidelines and standards for public charging infrastructure, providing a framework for implementation. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has also set technical standards for EV charging.
In Karnataka, a new rule was added in 2019 to the conditions for supplying electricity to commercial and residential buildings. This rule applies to buildings in metropolitan areas, urban development authority areas, and city corporation areas across the state. It mandates that buildings with a load request of 250 kW or more and a built-up area exceeding 5,000 square meters must have at least two charging points for electric vehicles. These charging points should be capable of charging four-wheelers, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers, with adequate space provided for this purpose.
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) determines the tariff for EV charging. Currently, the energy charge for EVs is ₹4.5/kWh as per the tariff order for 2024. However, many consumers, promoters, owners, and associations have approached the commission, highlighting practical difficulties in installing EV charging stations. These issues include metering, extending cabling/wiring in common areas while meeting safety standards, and obtaining connections from Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs), especially in multi-story buildings and complexes. They have requested the commission to issue a standard operating procedure for installing and using EV charging stations.
During public hearings on the tariff, many participants also raised similar issues. The commission agrees that procedures for installing EV charging stations need to be streamlined while adhering to safety norms to facilitate users. Exercising its powers under the Electricity Act 2003, the KERC has issued an order to address these concerns.
The KERC mandates that distribution licensees, upon request from consumers, promoters, owners, or associations, should arrange for the servicing of EV charging stations. This must comply with the conditions of supply of electricity, the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, and the charging infrastructure guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power. For individual connections for each EV charging station up to and including 150 kW, an LT connection is allowed.
Consumers who want to deploy EV charging infrastructure in multi-story buildings must evaluate their needs and get approval from the area distribution licensee. They can choose either a single-point connection for the association or individual connections for each consumer as required. They need to extend wiring from the metering panel to the charging station, following CEA safety standards. Meters for these connections should be housed in the existing or new metering panel, which might need modification.
EV charging stations can be connected to existing installations within the sanctioned load. If needed, the load can be increased with approval from the distribution licensee at the applicable tariff. Consumers with specific parking spaces in multi-story buildings wishing to install EV charging stations can connect these within their existing load or increase the load if necessary. They can also opt for a new connection under the EV charging tariff category set by the commission.
For buildings with high tension (HT) or extra high tension (EHT) connections, consumers can use sub-meters for EV charging stations. The consumption recorded on these sub-meters will be deducted from the main meter’s consumption, and billed according to the EV charging tariff.
The KERC has directed the Chief Electrical Inspector to issue norms for housing energy meters in metering panels and for the type of wiring from the metering panel to the charging stations, ensuring utmost safety. These standards and wiring diagrams will be posted on the official website for reference. This order has been issued and signed by the KERC.
