Free Electricity Connection and Transformer Connection for Farmers in India – light TC Complete Guide
Electricity plays a crucial role in modern farming, whether it is for running irrigation pumps, drip irrigation systems, lighting cattle sheds, powering poultry farms, or supporting small rural agro-based industries. In India, farmers can avail free electricity connection (light line) and in many cases transformer connection (TC) under special subsidy schemes provided by state governments and power distribution companies (DISCOMs). These schemes are designed to reduce the financial burden on farmers and to ensure reliable power supply to agricultural lands.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss what free electricity connection schemes are, who is eligible, what documents are required, how to apply, what benefits are available, and state-wise provisions for farmers.
1. Introduction to Free Power Connection for Farmers
Many farmers depend on electric pumps to draw water from borewells, open wells, or tanks for irrigation. Setting up a new electricity connection involves costs like application charges, service line charges, meter cost, and installation cost. In addition, when there is no nearby power line, farmers also have to bear the cost of erecting new poles and installing a dedicated transformer (TC) if load demand is high.
To help farmers, the Indian government (through state power utilities) provides subsidies or free installation for:
- New agriculture service connection (light line for pumps)
- Dedicated transformer connection (if required for higher HP pumps)
- Borewell energization under schemes like PM-KUSUM
- Electrification of animal sheds and small rural enterprises
These schemes significantly reduce costs and encourage farmers to adopt electric irrigation instead of diesel pumps, which are expensive and polluting.
2. Benefits of Free Power Connection for Farmers
Farmers who successfully apply for free light line and TC get multiple benefits:
- Free or subsidized service connection charges – saving thousands of rupees.
- Free dedicated transformer (if sanctioned load is high and transformer is required).
- Subsidized meter installation and wiring support.
- Priority approval for agricultural power connections in rural areas.
- Reliable power supply for irrigation, which improves crop yield and income.
- Lower running cost compared to diesel pumps, leading to higher profit margin.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility conditions vary slightly by state, but in general:
- Applicant must be a farmer – having cultivable land in his/her name or lease agreement.
- Bhoomi records / land documents must be submitted.
- Sanctioned HP limit – depends on state (commonly 3 HP, 5 HP, or 7.5 HP pumps).
- Applicant must be a resident of the state.
- Applicant should not already have another active free power connection in the same land survey number (duplicate connections are usually not allowed).
4. Documents Required
To apply for free electricity line and TC, farmers need to prepare the following documents:
- Application Form – available at electricity substation or online portal of DISCOM.
- Land ownership proof – RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops) / Pahani / Adangal.
- Aadhaar Card – identity and address proof.
- Ration Card – proof of being from agricultural or BPL family (if subsidy is only for poor farmers).
- Bank Passbook Copy – for direct benefit transfer (if subsidy is reimbursed later).
- Pump Purchase Bill – in case of new borewell energization.
- Water Source Certificate – from local panchayat or revenue authority confirming irrigation source.
5. Application Process – Step by Step
Step 1: Visit Nearest Electricity Office
Farmers should visit the local ESCOM / DISCOM sub-division office or Gram Panchayat where power supply applications are accepted. Obtain the application form for new agriculture power connection.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Fill all details carefully: farmer name, land survey number, village, type of crop, pump capacity (HP), and whether transformer is required.
Step 3: Attach Documents
Attach land ownership proof, Aadhaar, bank details, and pump details. Submit the application along with a nominal processing fee (if applicable – some states waive this fee).
Step 4: Feasibility Inspection
Officials will visit the farm to check:
- Distance from nearest power line
- Need for new poles or transformer
- Verification of land and water source
Step 5: Sanction and Installation
Once sanctioned, work order is issued for laying service line and installing transformer (if needed). The cost of this is borne by the state or subsidized under scheme.
Step 6: Meter Installation and Energization
Meter is installed, service connection is energized, and farmer can start using electricity for pump set.
6. Transformer Connection (TC) for Farmers
When the connected load is high (usually above 7.5 HP or group connections for multiple farmers), a dedicated transformer is needed. State utilities provide TC at subsidized cost or even free of charge for eligible farmers.
Advantages of a dedicated TC:
- Stable voltage and better pump performance
- Less power interruptions due to overload
- Long-term solution for multiple crops and seasons
7. Central Government Scheme Support – PM-KUSUM
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is a flagship scheme that promotes solar pumps and solarization of existing grid-connected pumps. Farmers applying for new power connection can also explore:
- Subsidy for solar pump sets (up to 60%)
- Support for feeder-level solarization so that farmers get day-time power.
This reduces dependency on grid power and saves subsidy cost for states.
8. State-Wise Free Power Connection Highlights
Karnataka
Karnataka ESCOMs (BESCOM, HESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, CESC) provide free power connection to farmers under Ganga Kalyana Yojane for borewell energization. Farmers can apply through the Seva Sindhu portal.
Telangana
Telangana provides free 24×7 power supply to agriculture. New connections can be applied through TSNPDCL / TSSPDCL offices. Transformer cost and service line charges are borne by the government.
Andhra Pradesh
APEPDCL and APSPDCL offer free connections under AP Agricultural Power Policy. Priority is given to small and marginal farmers.
Tamil Nadu
TANGEDCO gives free agricultural service connections. Farmers must register with agriculture department to get priority approval.
Maharashtra
MSEDCL provides subsidy for agriculture connection and transformer installation. Farmers have to pay only security deposit, rest is subsidized.
9. Benefits Beyond Power
Having a registered agriculture electricity connection also allows farmers to:
- Access crop insurance claims faster (because pump energization proof is available).
- Get priority loans from banks for drip irrigation and farm mechanization.
- Increase property value as electrified land has higher productivity.
10. Challenges and Tips
- Application processing time may take weeks or months depending on demand.
- Farmers should keep follow-up with local sub-division office.
- Group applications for a shared transformer can reduce waiting time.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents and acknowledgement receipt.
Here are some official apply links / portals for new electricity connections, service registration, free-electricity schemes etc., in Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh:
| State | Service | Apply Link / Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Apply for LT New Electricity Connection (BESCOM etc.) | Apply Online for LT New Connection – BESCOM (Karnataka) (bescom.karnataka.gov.in) |
| Karnataka | Rural & Urban New Connections | “Apply For New Connection” – Karnataka Govt portal (cescmysore.karnataka.gov.in) |
| Telangana | Agricultural / Any New Service Connection (Service Registration) | TGSPDCL New Service Connection Registration (webportal.tssouthernpower.com) |
| Telangana | Apply via MeeSeva (Electricity Board New Connection) | NPDCL New Connection Application Form – Telangana Govt Services (National Government Services Portal) |
| All States / India-wide | Central Govt Electricity / New Connection Services | India Govt Services Portal – Electricity / New Connection (National Government Services Portal) |
If you tell me your district and state, I can try to find the local sub-division office or specific agriculture pump connection portal link for your area.
Free electricity connection and transformer connection schemes are a major support for farmers in India. They help reduce input costs, improve irrigation efficiency, and boost crop yield. Farmers should take advantage of their respective state’s subsidy schemes and apply early with proper documents.
A well-planned power connection also opens doors for future upgradation to solar pumps under PM-KUSUM, making farming more sustainable and profitable.