Operational and Financial Performance of Public Sector DISCOMs in Karnataka: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluates the operational and financial performance of five public sector electricity distribution companies in Karnataka-BESCOM, CHESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, and MESCOM from 2016-17 to 2024-25. Operational indicators include billing, collection, and AT&C efficiency; financial indicators comprise average cost of supply, average revenue realised, and the ACS–ARR gap. Secondary data were obtained from Power Finance Corporation reports and the India Climate and Energy Dashboard. MESCOM recorded the highest mean billing and AT&C efficiency, lowest supply cost, and narrowest ACS-ARR gap. BESCOM achieved the highest collection efficiency and revenue realisation. Overall, MESCOM ranked first, followed by BESCOM, CHESCOM, GESCOM, and HESCOM. The TwoWay ANOVA revealed significant differences among DISCOMs and across financial years on the performance indicators. The findings highlight the need for loss reduction, cost control, and improved billing, collection, and revenue realisation to strengthen the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of Karnataka’s distribution sector.