Transparent CO₂ emissions reporting by electricity utilities is crucial for Bengaluru’s  journey to net zero. Robust disclosure practices empower consumers, policymakers, and investors with the data needed to drive sustainable energy decisions. Accurate tracking of emissions, identifying their sources, measuring intensities, and setting reduction benchmarks enable policymakers to craft targeted strategies that reduce fossil fuel dependence and accelerate Bengaluru’s clean energy transition. Setting clear emission reduction goals for distribution licensees is essential for mitigating climate change and creating a structured path toward a low-carbon energy future. Ambitious targets push utilities to prioritize renewable energy, driving a transformative shift in the sector.

This document introduces a comprehensive CO₂ emission tracking framework tailored to BESCOM, Bengaluru’s primary electricity distribution licensee. Leveraging insights from the Central Electricity Authority’s power plant-wise CO₂ database spanning fiscal years FY 2017-18 to FY 2023-24, this analysis dissects BESCOM’s procurement patterns and distribution trends to provide a detailed assessment of its Scope 2 emissions. The objective is to create a standardized, accessible dataset that enhances transparency, informs regulatory interventions, and supports Bengaluru’s broader clean energy objectives.

The key findings are 

•  In FY 2023-24, BESCOM’s weighted average emission factor of 0.71 tCO₂/MWh was close to the national average (0.72 tCO₂/MWh), highlighting the need for further emission reduction efforts. 
• BESCOM experienced a 30% rise in absolute annual CO₂ emissions from FY 2017-18 to FY 2023-24, primarily due to increased coal consumption. 
• In FY 2023-24, fossil fuel-derived energy sources constituted 70% of BESCOM’s overall energy supply. 
•  BESCOM’s thermal capacity fluctuated from 4,827 MW in FY 2017-18 to a peak of 6,246 MW in FY 2019-20, before settling at 5,623 MW in FY 2023-24. 
•  Hydro procurement fell sharply from 5,506 GWh in FY 2021-22 to 1,956 GWh in FY 2023-24, with available hydro capacity dropping from 1,695 MW to 824 MW. 
• Renewable energy procurement increased from 19% in FY 2017-18 to 25% in FY 2023-24, with solar and wind playing a key role. 
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, BESCOM experienced a significant reduction in its emissions, with an approximate 25% decrease in FY 2020-21. This decline was primarily attributed to lower electricity consumption and a greater incorporation of renewable energy sources during the pandemic-related restrictions. However in FY 2022-23, emissions saw an approximate 47% increase, largely due to an increased reliance on coal-based power generation to satisfy the growing electricity demand post-pandemic.