As the Energy Department opens the window for house owners to get permanent electricity connections without applying for an Occupancy Certificate, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has received 6,500 applications from Tuesday, June 23, to Friday, June 26.

On Monday, June 22, the State government granted house owners an exemption to obtain permanent electricity connections without Occupancy Certificates, provided that the construction of the premises was completed before May 31, 2026. This is for those buildings constructed on sites measuring 2,400 sq. feet with ground plus three floors (G+3) or stilt parking with four floors (S+4).

A senior official from Bescom said, “The 6,500 applications include those house owners who had pending applications for permanent power connection, house owners who had not applied but had received temporary connections, and those who neither have temporary nor permanent electricity connections.”

He added, “Whenever applications are received, section engineers from each subdivision will visit the site, as this is limited to sites measuring 2400 sq. feet with an allowable deviation of 20%, which comes up to 2,888 sq. feet. The 20% deviation is mainly attributed to the setback area.  Photographs of the buildings attached with GPS locations can only show the number of floors and not the exact size of the plot. In case the plot does not fall under the prescribed parameters, the application will be rejected, and they must apply for an OC.”

While the last date to apply is July 6, 2026, inspections will continue for three to four months. “Sometimes, house owners would want to install a lift in the building. In such cases, junior engineers will submit the details along with photographs and site measurements to senior engineers. After a thorough inspection, it will be approved,” he added.

Furthermore, as per the regulations, those who apply for permanent connections must install smart meters for 3 kW power, costing ₹4,988. “Usually, a 3 kW power smart meter is installed for houses with two to three bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen. The applicants must install it, and ₹820 is charged for the installation and maintenance of these meters. The applicants have to pay ₹10,500 as line service charges and ₹13,500 as a deposit. This deposit is an average of two months’ bill,” the official said.