Signs you need more load
- Main breaker or fuse trips when several appliances run together
- Meter, cut-out or service cable gets hot, or the meter has burnt
- Voltage drops when motors or ACs start
- You have added equipment since the connection was sanctioned
- An ESCOM inspection has recorded unauthorised or excess load
Running more load than sanctioned can attract penalties under the Supply Code and is a real fire risk, because the service cable and meter were sized for the original load.
Work out the new load
List every load with its rating: lighting, fans, sockets, ACs, geysers, pumps, lifts, machines and any EV charger. Add the future equipment you already plan to buy. Your contractor then works out the load to apply for and checks three things:
- Does the new load stay within the LT limit, or does it cross into HT?
- Can the existing service cable, meter and internal panel carry it?
- Does the ESCOM transformer feeding you have spare capacity?
Limits, charges and forms are set by KERC, your ESCOM and the Electrical Inspectorate and are revised from time to time. Use this guide to prepare, and confirm the current requirement for your case before you apply. We check it for every project.
The process
- Assessment of existing wiring and new load calculation
- Upgrade of internal wiring, main switch or panel where needed, and a fresh test report
- Application to the ESCOM with the latest bill, RR number, revised load details and ownership proof
- Inspection by the ESCOM section officer
- Estimate for any network work, and payment of the additional deposit and charges
- Meter change or service cable upgrade, if required
- Revised sanctioned load updated in the ESCOM's records and shown on your bill
- 1Calculate the new total load
- ?Is it above the LT limit for your category?Yes Convert to HT with your own transformerNo LT load enhancement
- ?Service cable, meter and panel adequate?Yes Apply directlyNo Upgrade first, then apply
- ✓Revised sanctioned load on your bill
When load enhancement means converting to HT
If the enhanced load crosses the LT limit, the installation must be converted to HT. That means your own transformer, HT metering and CEIG approval, following the HT connection sequence. For growing factories and commercial buildings, it is often cheaper to plan the HT conversion once than to apply for several small LT enhancements.
EV chargers and solar
A home EV charger can add several kW to your load. Before installing one, check whether your sanctioned load covers it and whether your wiring and earthing are suitable. Rooftop solar is a separate application with the ESCOM under the net or gross metering rules, and your contractor should check that the solar inverter and your load enhancement are planned together.
Documents for load enhancement
- Latest electricity bill showing the RR number
- Ownership proof and ID of the registered consumer
- Revised connected load statement
- Wiring test report from a licensed contractor after any upgrades
- For a change of use: documents supporting the new tariff category
Questions
Can I reduce my sanctioned load as well?
Yes. If your actual load has gone down, you can apply for load reduction, which can lower fixed or demand charges. The process is similar.
Will my meter be changed?
If the new load needs a higher-rated meter or a change from single-phase to three-phase, the ESCOM will replace it as part of the enhancement.
What if the connection is in the previous owner's name?
Apply for name transfer first, or together with the enhancement if the ESCOM allows it. The applicant must be the registered consumer.
Need this done for you?
We handle the electrical work and the ESCOM, KPTCL and CEIG liaisoning anywhere in Karnataka, with BESCOM, MESCOM, CESC, HESCOM and GESCOM. Email basavalalith.electricals@gmail.com or use the enquiry form.
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