KERC to direct high-rises to set up EV charging points

With the increase in fuel charges, crude oil and coal, electric vehicles are the future, said M K Shankarlinge Gowda, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) Chairman on Monday.

He said the KERC would soon issue a circular, after receiving a proposal from the Bescom, directing all high-rise structures — commercial and residential establishments — to make provisions for the electric vehicles.

He was speaking to DH on the sidelines of the inauguration of the electric vehicle charging station at the KERC office.

This is the second charging station in the city, after the one at the Bangalore Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (Bescom) head office.

Gowda said it was a Central government policy to promote electric vehicles. In Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, only government offices are promoting them so far.

“To promote these vehicles and encourage people to buy and to create more charging stations, we will prescribe to all high-rise structures, including residential and commercial spaces, to have electric vehicle charging stations. There is no need to wait for an amendment from the Urban Development Department. Electricity is our prerogative,” he said.

Many people visit malls. And the parking spaces here are vacant and free at night. They can be used as charging stations. This can be done even during the day when people visit the malls. A lot of solar energy is generated from 10 am to 4 pm, and a very few vehicles ply at these hours. So this time can be used to tap solar energy and charge electric vehicles, he added.

He said the department would also welcome if anyone was providing the charging service at less than the prescribed Rs 4.85 per unit.

So far, five cars in the energy department are run on electric energy. Charging of the electric vehicles at the Bescom head office is free. But will be charged at the KERC head office.