Implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in Karnataka has faced significant delays, with an estimated 95% backlog in rooftop solar applications across electricity supply companies. The confusion surrounding the term ‘Muft Bijli’ (free power) has caused many applicants to assume installations are fully subsidized, leading to incomplete submissions and stalled processing. Data from the Karnataka energy department as of August indicated that Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (Chescom) recorded a 97% backlog, followed by Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) at 96%, while Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) reported 93%. Officials hasstated that nearly 60% of applications were held up due to misunderstandings about costs, vendor selection delays, and deposit requirements. The scheme’s rollout was further complicated by overlapping awareness with the state’s Gruha Jyothi free electricity program, creating administrative confusion and slowing overall implementation.